Wednesday, February 5, 2014

In Memoriam, Samantha Juste Dolenz

Just posted on Micky's FB Page (approx 9:30pm, EST)


It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Samantha Dolenz, today, February 5th, 2014.  She suffered a major stoke on Sunday night whilst asleep and never recovered.
She will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Samantha Dolenz, today, February 5th, 2014.
She suffered a major stoke on Sunday night whilst asleep and never recovered. 
She will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.

From our beloved friends at Psycho Jello:
"Samantha Dolenz was born Sandra Slater on May 31, 1944 in Manchester, England. Sandra was a teen model and originally wanted to be known as just "Samantha" (perhaps she took her cue from Cher?) Anyway, she compromised and became Samantha Juste. Besides modeling, Samantha became a familiar face to teenagers in England by being the disc girl on Top of the Pops in 1964 (she remained the disc girl for more than 3 1/2 years). Top of the Pops was the biggest and best teen music show in England, and during her time on there, she became known as just "Sammy" to her legions of fans. "

That's where Micky saw her, fell deeply in love (or "gleeb" as they termed it).  They married June 12. 1968 (and were divorced in 1975) and their daughter Ami Bluebell Dolenz was born in January of 1969. 

When the Monkees went to England (after their taping of the Paris episode, #54), Micky wrote a song which captured the visit.  The lyrics of "Randy Scouse Git" have introduced & immortalized her for generations of fans.

Naked Persimmon posted this on FB (approx 11pm, 2/5/14) in tribute:

The Being Known As Wondergirl (R.I.P. Samantha Juste-Dolenz)

Today, the world is less brighter and beautiful because Samantha Juste (Dolenz) is no longer in it.

Samantha was mainly known to Monkees fans as the first wife of Micky Dolenz and mother of his first child, daughter Ami. Yet she had a life and career of her own long before Micky entered into the picture. Between working as a “record girl” on Top of the Pops and recording several of her own songs, Samantha was a ’60s U.K. celebrity in her own right.

The first impression that she made on Micky typifies the grace and elegance for which Samantha will always be remembered. From I’m A Believer:

"Micky is being hustled down a gray-green hall by his British adjunct. As he passes the studio cafeteria he glances inside and his eye catches the most unbelievable sight. There, framed in the doorway, is a vision. She is tall, blond, beautiful, and wearing an emerald green outfit that ends up in a short skirt (very short) which tops off her unbelievably gorgeous legs. As he passes by, she looks up. Their eyes meet. She holds his glance briefly, then looks away quickly with that haughty sophistication that only the British can do so well."

It was love at first sight for Micky, and Monkees fans fell in love with Samantha too, then and in the years to come. After moving in with Micky, Samantha brought a level of class and coolness to her Laurel Canyon surroundings that brought the rocking and rolling masses flocking to she and Micky’s home for wild party after wild party. Ever the gracious hostess, Samantha welcomed everyone with open arms (and copious amounts of tasty food and red wine).

Together, Samantha and Phyllis Nesmith were two of the most beloved Monkees wives, whose combined beauty and grace could not and will never be matched. We think of them with fondness and sadness, as today Samantha joins Phyllis—who sadly also passed away in February, in 2010—in the great beyond, and though wherever they are is surely now a wonderful place, our lives are that much drearier that they are gone.

Our hearts are heavy with grief, for it is never easy to say goodbye. Yet we will always remember the being known as wondergirl, and her smile as she played us a record.

Our love to the Girl in the Yellow Dress!!


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