Ivins, Molly (Mary Tyler)

Syndicated columnist, author, and lecturer Molly Ivins (1944-2007) covered Texas and politics, government, and social issues. Born Mary Tyler Ivins to Margaret and James E. Ivins in Monterrey, California, Molly Ivins grew up in Houston, Texas, attending St. John's School. She earned a B.A. degree in history from Smith College (1966) and an M.A. degree in journalism from Columbia University (1967). Ivins worked as a reporter for the Houston Chronicle (1967) and Minneapolis Tribune (1967-1970) before joining Kaye Northcott as co-editor of the Texas Observer (1971-1976). While working for the Observer in Austin, Ivins' caustic writing style caught the attention of folklorist and free speech activist, John Henry Faulk. The two developed a strong friendship based on their shared passion for the First Amendment. Ivins left the Observer for the New York Times (1976-1981), working for both the New York City Bureau and Rocky Mountain Bureau. In 1982, lured by the promise to write on whatever she pleased, she returned to Texas as a columnist for the Dallas Times Herald (1982-1991), covering Texas politics. With the collapse of the Times Herald in 1991, she moved her column to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram .

In 2001, Ivins left the Star-Telegram (1992-2001) to become an independent columnist. At the height of her popularity, Ivins' column was syndicated in nearly 400 newspapers, and she frequently freelanced for such publications as The Progressive, Mother Jones, Ms., and The Nation . Her acerbic pen garnered Ivins countless critics and admirers. Winner of a host of awards and three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, she authored or co-authored countless articles in numerous magazines and several best-selling books, including Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She? (1991), You Got to Dance With Them What Brung You: Political in the Clinton Years (1998), Bushwhacked: Life in George W. Bush's America (2003), and Who Let the Dogs In?: Incredible Political Animals I Have Known (2004). Because of her wit, humor, and unabashed criticism of political and public figures, Ivins was a highly sought after speaker, and a regular contributor to radio and television, even briefly for 60 Minutes in 1996.

Although she had left the Texas Observer in 1976, Ivins remained a staunch supporter of the bi-weekly publication, donating funds and serving on the board of directors of its parent organization, the Texas Democracy Foundation. Following in John Henry Faulk's footsteps, Ivins was a champion and defender of free speech, speaking at American Civil Liberties Union events across the country.

Diagnosed with late stage breast cancer, Ivins underwent intensive treatment and chemotherapy in 1999. She openly wrote and spoke about her ordeal, encouraging other women to get regular examinations. Unfortunately, the cancer returned several times, ultimately causing Ivins' death in 2007.

Source:

Sapper, Neil. Ivins, Mary Tyler [Molly] . Handbook of Texas Online, accessed December 20, 2011. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fiv02

From the guide to the Molly Ivins Papers 30455275., 1936, 1944 -2008, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)