Sentimental Journey - Doris Day's Loves & Losses

She brought joy but suffered heartache

As an unhappy child trapped in her parents’ toxic marriage, Doris Day dreamed of growing up to become a perfect wife with a perfect husband.

Instead, she grew up to became the original all American sweetheart on the big screen, while behind the scenes she endured four unhappy marriages, including one marred by domestic violence and another that left her financially destitute.

To those who knew her, it was no surprise when she turned her back on Hollywood and devoted her life to stray animals. The reclusive star died in her California home last week, aged 97.

Born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff in 1922, the girl known for her wholesome appeal couldn’t wait to leave her parents’ tension-filled Ohio home.