As a writer, her voice was wholly original – erudite and irreverent, informed, relevant and inspired by the literary giants of her native Mississippi. For over four decades, Reed shared her singular voice through the pages of publications such as Newsweek, Vogue, Elle Décor, Oxford American, Southern Living and Garden & Gun. She moved easily from profiles of figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Bush to commentary on the importance of a strong milk punch to a successful family holiday celebration. She was the author of eight books, including 2008’s personal memoir and love letter to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, “The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story.”
Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Julia Reed, and to her army of fans across the South and the world. She was an integral part of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s history, and her passion and vision will continue to inform the Museum’s mission into the future.