Megan Marshack, a name entangled with one of the most sensational stories of the 1970s, passed away on October 2, 2024, at the age of 70. Though her life was filled with achievements as a journalist and aide, she is most notably remembered for her association with former
Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, whose sudden death at 70 in 1979 placed Marshack in the midst of media speculation. This obituary reflects on her life, career, and the mystery that surrounded the final moments of Rockefeller’s life.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 31, 1953, in Los Angeles, Megan Marshack had a modest beginning. She and her brother, Jon Marshack, were both adopted and raised in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood. Her father, Sidney Marshack, was an aerospace engineer, while her mother, Patricia Marshack, taught piano. Megan was intelligent, ambitious, and driven, which led her to pursue a degree in history and journalism at California State University, Northridge.
Her journalism career began with a six-month trial at The Associated Press, where she displayed boldness and confidence. At just 22, she crossed paths with Nelson Rockefeller at a news conference in Los Angeles, during his tenure as Vice President. Their interaction, which began with Marshack interrupting Rockefeller’s press conference, marked the beginning of a working relationship that would ultimately shape the trajectory of her life.
Her Role as Nelson Rockefeller’s Aide
After her brief stint at The Associated Press, Megan Marshack applied to be a press aide to Rockefeller, who had been impressed by her audacity. In a unique twist, she brought a tray of Oreo cookies, Rockefeller’s favorite snack, to her job interview—earning her the position. From then on, Marshack found herself working closely with Rockefeller, writing letters for him and enjoying the privilege of an office with a private entrance directly to his.
As Rockefeller transitioned from the Vice Presidency back to private life, he kept Marshack on his personal staff. She became one of his most trusted aides, although rumors swirled about the true nature of their relationship. By many accounts, including interviews with close associates, it was widely believed that Marshack and Rockefeller were romantically involved, despite Rockefeller being married at the time. The speculation only grew after his sudden death.
The Death of Nelson Rockefeller and the Media Frenzy
On January 26, 1979, Nelson Rockefeller died of a heart attack, and Megan Marshack found herself at the center of a media storm. The initial reports, provided by Rockefeller’s spokesman Hugh Morrow, claimed that Rockefeller had died at his office while working on an art book, surrounded by working papers and wearing a suit and tie. However, the media soon uncovered inconsistencies in this account.
In a matter of days, The New York Times reported that Rockefeller had not been in his office when he died but at a brownstone he owned, with Marshack present. It was eventually revealed that Marshack had called 911, although initial reports claimed it was a friend of hers who made the call. The fact that Rockefeller had forgiven a $45,000 loan to Marshack, equivalent to $200,000 today, further fueled speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Various rumors emerged about the circumstances of Rockefeller’s death. Some reports suggested that he was found dressed in a suit and tie, while others claimed he was nude, with Chinese food containers scattered nearby. These discrepancies and the involvement of Marshack made the story headline news across the country, with many referring to her simply as “The Woman Who Was There.”
Megan Marshack’s Silence and Life After the Scandal
Despite the intense media scrutiny, Megan Marshack never publicly commented on the details of Rockefeller’s death. Her brother later revealed that Marshack had signed a nondisclosure agreement with the Rockefeller family, which prevented her from discussing the event. This silence only heightened the public’s curiosity, but Marshack chose to maintain her privacy.
After Rockefeller’s death, Marshack continued her journalism career, working for CBS News, where she contributed to the coverage of major events, including the 1984 Winter Olympics and the trial of Mehmet Ali Agca for the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II. In 1998, she moved to Placerville, California, where she worked for The Mountain Democrat, a local newspaper.
In 2003, Marshack married a colleague, Edmond Jacoby Jr., though their union was tragically cut short by his death following a car accident in 2023. Shortly before her death, she relocated to Sacramento to be closer to her brother Jon, her only surviving immediate family member.
Writing Her Own Obituary: A Reflection on Love and Privacy
Megan Marshack’s death was announced through an obituary that she had written herself, marking the first time she publicly commented on her relationship with Nelson Rockefeller. While the obituary did not explicitly confirm the long-rumored affair, it did include a telling
quote from the 1975 musical A Chorus Line: “I won’t forget, can’t regret what I did for love.” The inclusion of this line has been interpreted by many as a subtle acknowledgment of her personal feelings for Rockefeller.
Though she had opportunities to write a tell-all memoir, Marshack consistently chose to keep her relationship with Rockefeller private. A friend and psychotherapist, Laurie Nadel, recounted how Marshack had declined a $1 million advance for such a memoir, expressing a
desire not to profit from the tragedy. Even in her final days, when Nadel offered to listen to Marshack’s story and share it posthumously, she declined, choosing instead to take her secrets to the grave.
Conclusion: A Life Marked by Mystery and Discretion
Megan Marshack’s life was one of accomplishment, privacy, and mystery. From her early days as an ambitious journalist to her time as a key aide to Nelson Rockefeller, she was a woman who found herself at the center of one of the most talked-about scandals of the 20th century.
Yet, in her own quiet way, Marshack maintained control over her narrative, refusing to let the media frenzy define her. As she passes into history, her life remains a testament to the complexity of human relationships and the power of silence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Megan Marshack?
Megan Marshack was a journalist and aide to Nelson Rockefeller. She became widely known for her presence at Rockefeller’s sudden death in 1979.
2. What was Megan Marshack’s relationship with Nelson Rockefeller?
Though never confirmed, many believe Marshack and Rockefeller had a romantic relationship. Her proximity to him during his death fueled speculation about the nature of their connection.
3. Did Megan Marshack ever speak about Rockefeller’s death?
No, Megan Marshack remained silent about the details of Rockefeller’s death throughout her life, reportedly due to a nondisclosure agreement with the Rockefeller family.
4. What did Megan Marshack do after the Rockefeller scandal?
She continued working in journalism, including a stint at CBS News. In later years, she worked for a local newspaper in California and lived a relatively private life.
5. How did Megan Marshack die?
Megan Marshack died on October 2, 2024, from liver and kidney failure at a live-in medical facility in Sacramento.