We mourn the passing of iconic personality Gypsy Rose Lee on 26 April 1970, aged 56. Gypsy Rose Lee was born Rose Louise Hovick on 8 January 1911 in Seattle, Washington, to Mae and John Hovick. After Mae encouraged her daughters to become performers to pay the family’s bills, Rose developed a unique style of burlesque dance and humorous monologues. Becoming a celebrity, her act and public persona quickly gained public adoration, paving the way for modern female entertainers. Her success was far reaching with the 1942 film ‘Gypsy’ based on her life, several best-selling books, and a 1960 Broadway musical that went on to become a hit seven-time Tony Award nominated performance. In addition to entertaining, Gypsy was an accomplished writer and a brilliant strategist. She successfully organized labor strikes and promoted a close association with charitable organizations. Gypsy Rose Lee will be remembered as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a proponent of social justice. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.