Remembering Cass Elliot: A Daughter's Heartfelt Memoir

At just seven years old, Owen Elliot-Kugell faced one of the toughest moments of her life. Her mother, the legendary singer Cass Elliot, wasn't coming home again. "I remember thinking to myself, 'They must be wrong,'" Owen shares with Closer. "I knew she'd come home because she always did. That's just how it was with my mom."

A Legacy Worth Sharing

In her new memoir, My Mama, Cass, Owen opens up about her life with the iconic Mamas & the Papas singer. This isn't just any story—it's a deeply personal journey that brings her mother's legacy to life. "She didn't get the chance to tell her own story, so I figured I was the next best person to do it," Owen says with a mix of pride and nostalgia.

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Music, Travel, and Memories

Owen's childhood was filled with the magic of music and the excitement of travel. Growing up, she often found herself at airports, eagerly waiting to greet her mom after a concert. The Mamas & the Papas reached their peak in 1968, just months after Owen was born. With hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday," the band became a household name. A year later, Cass embarked on a solo career, continuing to inspire fans worldwide.

While Cass didn't sing much at home, Owen recalls those rare, cherished moments when they'd harmonize in the car. "We were singing along to 'Top of the World' by the Carpenters," she reminisces. "Those little moments mean the world to me."

The Day Everything Changed

Tragically, Cass passed away at the young age of 32 due to a heart attack in her sleep. Owen's world was turned upside down. She moved in with her aunt, Leah, where she found comfort and stability. Despite the support, Owen struggled to accept her mother's death. "I had all these fantasies that maybe they were wrong," she confesses. "I just couldn't believe she was gone."

Even though Owen found a secure home with her aunt, her love for her mother never faded. To this day, she treasures a collection of Cass's belongings, including her eyeglasses, jewelry, gold records, and a Grammy Award. "These items remind me of who she was and the incredible talent she had," Owen explains. Some of Cass's iconic pieces, like the gown designed by Bob Mackie, were donated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, ensuring her legacy lives on.

Over the years, several biographers approached Owen, hoping to tell Cass's story. But it wasn't until recently that Owen decided to take on the challenge herself. Writing the memoir was both emotionally taxing and incredibly healing. "There were times when I was writing and feeling so deeply that I couldn't help but cry," she admits. "It was a journey that I'll always be grateful for."

One of the hardest parts of the book was addressing her parentage. Cass never publicly disclosed the identity of Owen's biological father. With the help of Michelle Phillips, a fellow Mamas & the Papas member, Owen was able to meet him. "He told me that he had honored my mom's wishes to stay away and let her raise me," Owen explains. "Even after his passing in 2008, we kept in touch sporadically. I even showed him pictures of my grandchildren."

Owen's aunt, Leah, says she has Cass's laugh. Like her mother, Owen also pursued a career in music, touring with the legendary Al Jardine of the Beach Boys. "Music is just a part of who I am," she says. "Now that I have kids, I try to warn them against following in my footsteps. It's a tough industry!"

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Owen believes her mother would be proud of My Mama, Cass. "I hope she'd be satisfied with what I've created," Owen reflects. "This book is a tribute to her life and legacy. Writing it was an experience I'll always cherish."