Interview with Mary B. Dorris, April 20, 1998

Interview Summary

Dorris begins the interview by talking about the death of her son, Michael Dorris, as well as the memorial services that were given in his honor. Dorris then describes Michael's celebrity friends, wife, and children. Following this, the affair of Michael's wife, Louise is described, coupled with the child abuse allegations brought on by Louise and Michael's will. Then, Michael and Louise's relationship and Michael's work are considered. Next, the couple's early marriage and children are recalled. The literary success of the couple is addressed, paired with their married life in both Montana and Minnesota respectively. The separation and subsequent divorce proceedings (which were underway at the time of Michael's death) are examined. Michael's daughters and their allegations against their father are discussed. Dorris then chronicles the time that Michael spent at an addiction treatment center. To conclude the interview, Dorris relays the last few months of Michael's life, and what he was like during this time.

Interview Keyword

Louisville (Ky.) Minneapolis (Minn.) Montana New Hampshire Dartmouth College Relationships Accusations

Interview LC Subject

Authors, American--Kentucky Intellectual life Literature Suicide Death Granddaughters Erdrich, Louise

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.