Marty Mitchell: Daughter of Martha Mitchell and John N. Mitchel (America’s biggest political scandals)

The Early Life of Marty Mitchell

Martha Elizabeth Mitchell Jr., also known as Marty Mitchell, was born on January 10, 1961. She grew up in a family that would later become part of one of America’s biggest political scandals. Marty’s parents, Martha Mitchell and John N. Mitchell, were prominent figures in the political and social circles of the time. Her early years were spent in New York City, where her father was a practicing attorney.

In 1969, when John Mitchell was appointed U.S. Attorney General under President Richard Nixon, the family relocated to Washington, D.C. They settled in the prestigious Watergate complex, a name that would later become synonymous with scandal. Marty attended the Stone Ridge Country Day School in Bethesda, Maryland, a well-regarded institution known for its academic rigor and social prestige. Later, she pursued higher education at Georgetown University, a testament to her commitment to academic excellence.

Marty’s Parents: Martha Mitchell and John N. Mitchell

Marty’s parents were central figures in their time's political and social scenes. Martha Mitchell, often called "The Mouth of the South," was known for her flamboyant personality and outspoken nature. During the Watergate scandal, she became one of the first to publicly accuse the Nixon administration of wrongdoing, a move that would have far-reaching consequences for her and her family.

John N. Mitchell, Marty’s father, was a close confidant of President Nixon and served as Attorney General from 1969 to 1972. Known for his loyalty to Nixon, John later chaired the Committee to Re-elect the President. His involvement in the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up led to his conviction on charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury. He became the first U.S. Attorney General to serve time in prison.

The Impact of Watergate on Marty Mitchell

The Watergate scandal was a turning point for the Mitchell family. Martha Mitchell’s allegations against the Nixon administration placed immense strain on her marriage, leading to a separation in 1973. At the time, Marty was just a teenager, navigating the challenges of adolescence amidst the chaos of media scrutiny and political scandal. Marty primarily lived with her father following her parents’ separation. The intense public attention on her family meant that she had little privacy during a formative period in her life.

Marty Mitchell’s Professional Life and Marriage

Despite the challenges of her upbringing, Marty carved out a life for herself away from the glare of public attention. After completing her education, she began her professional journey with Dean & Associates, a Washington-based consulting firm specializing in real estate.

In March 1989, Marty married Paul Savidge of Silver Spring, Maryland. The wedding, announced by her godparents, was one of the last public events associated with her. This marriage marked a turning point, as Marty gradually retreated from public life. She chose to lead a private life.

Marty’s Retreat from the Public Eye

Following her marriage, Marty Mitchell disappeared from the limelight. Unlike her parents, who remained subjects of media and public interest until their deaths, Marty consciously chose a path of privacy. Her retreat from public view has been so thorough that even her current whereabouts and activities remain a mystery.

The Tragic End of Martha and John Mitchell

Martha Mitchell’s life ended tragically when she succumbed to multiple myeloma on May 31, 1976. Her boldness and outspokenness during the Watergate scandal had cost her dearly, leading to isolation and discrimination. John Mitchell, on the other hand, passed away on November 9, 1988, due to a heart attack. Despite their tumultuous lives, their story continues to captivate the public and inspire media portrayals.

Marty Mitchell in Media and Pop Culture

The Mitchell family’s story has been revisited in various forms of media, including the 2022 television series Gaslit. In the series, young Marty was portrayed by actress Darby Camp, providing a glimpse into her life during one of the most challenging periods for her family.

Conclusion

Marty Mitchell’s life is a testament to the resilience required to navigate the fallout of public controversies. Her choice to step away from the limelight reflects her desire for a life untainted by the turbulence of her parents’ past. At the same time, the stories of Martha and John N. Mitchell remain etched in the annals of history.