Jeanette MacDonald's First Letter From Nelson Eddy

I recently obtained a rare handwritten letter Nelson Eddy sent to Jeanette MacDonald in November 1934. Nelson and Jeanette made eight musicals together and became known as "America's Singing Sweethearts". Off screen the couple had a passionate romance that lasted for decades. They kept their relationship a secret and it continued even after they were both married. This letter was written by Nelson a month before they started filming their first movie Naughty Marietta.

 Here is the text of the letter ...

Dear Miss McDonald, Thank you for the wire. It was terribly sweet of you and I appreciate it more than I can tell you. One day I hope to get up courage enough to tell you I think you're the grandest person in the world. Very gratefully yours, Nelson Eddy

This is my favorite Nelson and Jeanette duet ...

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy's Love Story

 

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy had one of Hollywood greatest and most tragic love stories. They met in 1934 when MGM paired the two stars in the musical Naughty Marietta. The movie was a hit and audiences instantly fell in love with the singing duo. Off screen Nelson and Jeanette began a passionate affair. They continued to make hit movies together but kept their real life romance a secret at the insistence of MGM president Louis B. Mayer. Sadly the couple would not end up living happily ever after.

 

By 1938 they had broken up and both were married to other people. Jeanette's husband Gene Raymond was rumored to be gay while Nelson's wife Ann suffered from mental problems. Eventually Nelson and Jeanette resumed their passionate love affair. Jeanette became pregnant several times but tragically she lost the babies. Although they still loved each other neither was ever willing to get a divorce. When Jeanette died in 1965 Nelson was heartbroken. He passed away just two years later.

 

A video of Nelson at Jeanette's funeral ...

 

To learn more about Jeanette and Nelson's love story please visit MacEddy.com

Jeanette MacDonald

"The one thing I missed was never having children. It just wasn't in the cards, I guess." ~ Jeanette

Jeanette Anna MacDonald was born on June 18, 1903, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of three daughters. Jeanette was a talented singer with a beautiful soprano voice. She went to New York to study music and began her career on Broadway. Jeanette made her film debut in the 1929 musical The Love Parade. It was a hit and she became one of Hollywood's hottest actresses. Her success continued with starring roles in The Lottery Bride and Love Me Tonight. Jeanette's sister, Marie Blake, also became an actress. In 1934 Jeanette signed a lucrative contract with MGM. The following year she he was paired with baritone Nelson Eddy in the musical Naughty Marietta. Jeanette and Nelson became one of Hollywood's most popular duos and were nicknamed "America's Singing Sweethearts". They made seven more movies together including Maytime and Sweethearts.

In real life Nelson and Jeanette were romantically involved for many years but kept their affair a secret. She married actor Gene Raymond in 1937. Although they appeared happy in public the couple had a troubled marriage. Jeanette was unable to have children and their were rumors that Gene was gay. By 1939 her $300,000 a year salary made her one of the highest paid actresses and she was voted "Queen Of Hollywood" in a nationwide poll. After making several unsuccessful films she decided to leave MGM in 1942. Jeanette performed live concerts and appeared in several stage productions. In 1958 Jeanette re-teamed with Nelson to record an album of duets. As she got older health problems forced her to stop working. Jeanette died on January 14, 1965 from a heart attack. She is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

~ Original biography by Elizabeth Ann 2013

 With Nelson Eddy

 

With her mother

Jeanette's personalized silk scarf (from my collection)