Before his death, Jim Henson, the creative genius behind the much-loved Muppets, penned two letters for his loved ones to open on his death, one for his children and one for his friends and family. In 1990, Mr. Henson died at age 53 leaving family, friends, and several generations of fans and admirers to morn his passing.
Cover of Jim Henson
Despite his early passing, Mr. Henson’s parting words were hopeful and uplifting. He wished his children a “fun, and joyous, and fulfilling” life and promised that if he could not watch over them, he would at least be waiting to meet them on the other side. He continued by reminding his children that he “has always loved each of [them] with an eternal, bottomless love” and asked them to “watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody.” He finished with a simple reminder and request: “It’s a good life, enjoy it.”
To his friends and family, his message was similar in tone. Mr. Henson explained that he was not afraid of death, but, instead, looked forward to being reunited with old friends. He conveyed his wish for a “nice, friendly little service of some kind” with a song or two from some of his friends that sing and few happy words from some of his close friends about what they enjoyed doing together. He also asked that a Dixieland band play and end the service with “a rousing version of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In.’”