Kirsten, Dorothy. (1910–1992). Signed Photograph with Autograph Letter. Signed photograph of the American soprano who had an illustrious career at the Metropolitan Opera, together with an autograph letter sending the photograph and mentioning her husband, John French, and his fight with Alzheimer's disease. She is shown in the photograph smiling in a casual portrait, and has signed and inscribed at the foot. Letter reads, in part: "Since you have followed me so closely I need to tell you that my beautiful career was suddenly interrupted shortly after my 30th anniversary at the Metropolitan Opera when my dear husband became a victim of Alzheimer's disease. At this point in my life I am dedicated to helping fight this dreadful disease as the enclosed brochure will explain." Glossy black and white photograph signed in blue ink; letter 2 pp. on her letterhead with some bleed-through; overall very fine. Photograph 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.3 cm); letter 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14 x 21.6 cm).
Kirsten's husband Dr. John French, a neurologist who had founded the UCLA Brain Research Institute, died in 1989 of complications from Alzheimer's; she dedicated her later years to fundraising for research into the disease.
Kirsten, Dorothy. (1910–1992). Signed Photograph with Autograph Letter. Signed photograph of the American soprano who had an illustrious career at the Metropolitan Opera, together with an autograph letter sending the photograph and mentioning her husband, John French, and his fight with Alzheimer's disease. She is shown in the photograph smiling in a casual portrait, and has signed and inscribed at the foot. Letter reads, in part: "Since you have followed me so closely I need to tell you that my beautiful career was suddenly interrupted shortly after my 30th anniversary at the Metropolitan Opera when my dear husband became a victim of Alzheimer's disease. At this point in my life I am dedicated to helping fight this dreadful disease as the enclosed brochure will explain." Glossy black and white photograph signed in blue ink; letter 2 pp. on her letterhead with some bleed-through; overall very fine. Photograph 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.3 cm); letter 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14 x 21.6 cm).
Kirsten's husband Dr. John French, a neurologist who had founded the UCLA Brain Research Institute, died in 1989 of complications from Alzheimer's; she dedicated her later years to fundraising for research into the disease.