| At the dawn of a new year, we take stock of the | | | | Edward Kennedy: Kennedy served as a U.S. senator |
| major events in our personal lives, from the past 365 | | | | from the state of Massachusetts, from 1962 to |
| days. It's also the time to reflect on some of the | | | | 2009. He filled the seat of John F. Kennedy, his |
| celebrities who passed away during the previous | | | | brother. Edward also ran for president in 1980, |
| year. In 2009, here are some major celebrities that | | | | although President Jimmy Carter defeated him for |
| lived their last year on Earth: | | | | the Democratic nomination. |
| Walter Cronkite: Cronkite became famous as the TV | | | | Frank McCourt: After serving in the U.S. army, |
| news anchor of "The CBS Evening News" | | | | McCourt earned a free education and then became a |
| (1962-1981). He would famously end each evening's | | | | teacher. After retiring in 1987, he won the Pulitzer |
| broadcast, with the words "...and that's the way it is". | | | | Prize for his book, "Angela's Ashes" (1996). The work |
| Cronkite became the most famous news anchor in | | | | is a memoir of McCourt's challenging childhood in |
| the USA, becoming "the most trusted man in | | | | Limerick, Ireland. Besides winning the prestigious |
| America". | | | | award, the book also became a bestseller worldwide. |
| Chuck Daly: Daly became most famous for leading | | | | The sequel, entitled "'Tis: A Memoir", chronicles |
| the Detroit Pistons basketball team to two NBA | | | | McCourt's arrival in New York. |
| championships (1989, 1990). He also coached the | | | | Ed McMahon: McMahon became most famous as the |
| "Dream Team" men's basketball team to a gold meal, | | | | associate of the "Tonight Show's host, Johnny |
| at the Summer Olympics in 1992. Daly earned an | | | | Carson. He held the position for nearly three decades. |
| NCAA coaching record of 151-62, and an NBA | | | | Afterwards, McMahon hosted a few TV talent |
| coaching record of 638-437. | | | | shows, including "Star Search". But perhaps McMahon |
| Farrah Fawcett: Best known for her role as Jill | | | | will be remembered most for his phrase, "Here's |
| Munroe on the TV show "Charlie's Angels", Fawcett | | | | Johnny!" which introduced Johnny Carson on the |
| passed away in 2009, after her battle with cancer. A | | | | "Tonight Show". |
| poster of Fawcett sporting a red swimsuit made her | | | | John Updike: A prolific author, John Updike became |
| the short-term pin-up queen throughout the United | | | | best known for his "Rabbit" books, which chronicle |
| States. It's been reported that poster sold 12 million | | | | the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he progresses |
| copies! | | | | from middle age to senior life. Updike won two |
| Michael Jackson: the "King of Pop" died in 2009, as | | | | Pulitzer Prizes-both for "Rabbit" books. |
| one of the most successful musicians of all time. | | | | Yes, it's important to constantly move forward in life. |
| Michael's music career began when he was 11 years | | | | Nonetheless, there's something to be said for |
| old, while in the Jackson Five band (which included his | | | | spending some time recalling those who passed away |
| brothers). Michael Jackson also recorded several | | | | during the previous year. That includes those who |
| successful songs and albums, and invented his | | | | were both public celebrities and celebrities in our own |
| signature dance move: the Moonwalk. | | | | lives. |
