Artists & Writers · Early 20th Century
Zelda Fitzgerald’s Last Words
“She perished in a fire at her mental institution.”— Zelda Fitzgerald, March 10, 1948
Who Was Zelda Fitzgerald?
Zelda Fitzgerald was an American socialite, novelist, and painter who was the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. She is considered an icon of the Jazz Age and a pioneering feminist voice.
The Final Moments
Zelda died when a fire broke out at Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where she was a patient. Nine women perished in the blaze.
Are These Words Verified?
Fire department and hospital records confirm Zelda died in the Highland Hospital fire. This is not a quote of last words but an accurate description of her death; she perished in the locked building with no recorded final words.
Sources
- archive Highland Hospital Fire Investigation Report, March 1948
- newspaper Asheville Citizen-Times, March 11, 1948
- biography Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography
Legacy
Zelda's novel Save Me the Waltz and her artwork have gained renewed appreciation as important works in their own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Zelda Fitzgerald’s last words?
“She perished in a fire at her mental institution.”
How did Zelda Fitzgerald die?
Zelda Fitzgerald died on March 10, 1948 at the age of 47. Cause of death: Fire at Highland Hospital in Asheville, NC.
Were Zelda Fitzgerald’s last words documented?
Fire department and hospital records confirm Zelda died in the Highland Hospital fire. This is not a quote of last words but an accurate description of her death; she perished in the locked building with no recorded final words.
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