Heather Armstrong Renowned ‘Mommy Blogging’ Pioneer Passes Away at 47:
Heather Armstrong, a trailblazing figure in the world of mommy blogging during the 2000s. Has passed away at the age of 47. The news of her death was confirmed by her boyfriend, Pete Ashdown. Who discovered her lifeless in their Utah home on Tuesday evening.
Recognized as the “queen of mommy blogging,” Armstrong gained fame by candidly documenting the joys and challenges of motherhood on her popular blog, Dooce. At its peak, Dooce attracted over eight million monthly visitors, according to reports from Vox. In 2009, Armstrong’s influential role in media earned her a spot on Forbes’ list of the 30 most influential women.
Armstrong established Dooce in the early 2000s as an outlet to discuss various topics, including work, relationships, and her departure from the Mormon church. The blog’s name stemmed from an amusing anecdote about her struggle to quickly type out the word “dude” during online chats, as shared by the Associated Press and New York Times.
In 2002, Armstrong faced dismissal from her job as a web designer in Los Angeles after her blog, where she assigned humorous aliases to her colleagues, was revealed to be hers. This incident not only sparked a public debate on privacy but also significantly boosted traffic to her blog.
After a six-month hiatus, Dooce returned as a different kind of blog when Armstrong became pregnant. Known for her raw honesty. She openly shared her children’s tantrums, her own mental health battles, as well as her struggles with alcoholism and postpartum depression.
The Wall Street Journal estimated that by 2009. The blog may have generated approximately $40,000 (£32,000) per month through paid advertising.
Building on her success. Armstrong expanded her influence through a strong presence on social media and the publication of three books. Including her memoir, “It Sucked and Then I Cried: How I Had a Baby, a Breakdown and a Much Needed Margarita,” released in 2009. The memoir delved into her lifelong struggle with chronic depression, which remained untreated until she reached college.
On Wednesday, an Instagram post on Dooce’s account announced her passing and encouraged readers to cherish their loved ones. According to Pete Ashdown, Armstrong had been sober for over 18 months, but unfortunately. She had recently experienced a relapse and tragically took her own life.
Heather Armstrong is survived by her ex-husband Jon. Her children Leta (19) and Marlo (14), as well as Pete Ashdown and his three children from a previous marriage.
Source By: BBC.Com
