Myra Lea MacPherson

Myra Lea MacPherson, a trailblazing American journalist, author, and biographer, passed away on February 2, 2026, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 91. Known for her incisive reporting and profound literary contributions, MacPherson left an indelible mark on the landscape of American journalism, particularly through her extensive work with The Washington Post. Her career was distinguished by a commitment to exploring complex social and political issues, often challenging prevailing norms and shedding light on underrepresented narratives.

Born in Marquette, Michigan, on May 31, 1934, MacPherson graduated from Michigan State University in 1956 with a degree in journalism. Her early professional life was marked by the gender discrimination prevalent in newsrooms of the era, where she was initially relegated to less prominent assignments despite her ambitions to cover major news stories. She famously faced barriers to access, such as being denied entry to the press box and Gasoline Alley while covering the Indianapolis 500 in 1960. These experiences fueled her determination to break down journalistic barriers for women.

MacPherson joined The Washington Post in 1968, where she became a prominent feature writer for the Style section. During her more than two decades at the Post, she covered a wide array of significant events, including the Watergate scandal, five presidential campaigns, and critical women's rights issues. Her reporting was characterized by a deep empathy and a keen ability to capture the human element within larger political and social narratives.

Beyond her impactful journalism, MacPherson was an accomplished author. Her 1975 book, "The Power Lovers: An Intimate Look at Political Marriages," offered a unique perspective on the intersection of personal and public lives in Washington. She is perhaps best known for her 1984 work, "Long Time Passing: Vietnam and the Haunted Generation," which was lauded as the first trade book to explore post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Vietnam veterans and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Awards. This seminal work helped to break the national silence surrounding the war's enduring traumas.

Throughout her career, Myra MacPherson received numerous accolades for her contributions to journalism and literature, including a Fulbright grant in 1986-1987, a Ford Foundation fellowship in 1992, and the Sperber Award for Biography in 2007. Her legacy is one of journalistic integrity, fearless inquiry, and a profound dedication to giving voice to the stories that needed to be told. She will be remembered as a pioneering journalist who consistently pushed boundaries and enriched public understanding.