North Dakota Columnist Marilyn Hagerty Passes Away at 99

Marilyn Hagerty, a celebrated newspaper columnist from North Dakota, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 99. She died in a hospital in Grand Forks due to complications from a stroke, according to her daughter, Gail Hagerty. Known for her earnest and relatable writing style, Hagerty gained national recognition in 2012 after her review of the local Olive Garden went viral.

Hagerty was born on May 30, 1926, in Pierre, South Dakota. Her journey in journalism began during high school when she assisted the editor of the Pierre Capital Journal and wrote city briefs. She later graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of South Dakota, a milestone she cherished throughout her life. Over the span of more than 70 years, she remained dedicated to her craft, impacting her community with her work.

In her now-famous review, Hagerty described the Olive Garden as “the largest and most beautiful restaurant now operating in Grand Forks.” She praised the ambiance, noting details like “vases and planters with permanent flower displays” and a fireplace that added warmth to the decor. Her description of the chicken Alfredo as “warm and comforting on a cold day” resonated with readers, leading to an unexpected surge of attention on social media.

Gail Hagerty reflected on her mother’s reaction to the viral fame, stating that she was initially unaware of what it meant to “go viral.” “She was everywhere and she loved it,” her daughter said. “She used to say that if you were going to have 15 minutes of fame and if you were 86, you had to do it soon. You couldn’t wait.”

The response to her review was overwhelming, resulting in numerous emails, phone calls, and media interviews. Notably, chef and television host Anthony Bourdain publicly defended Hagerty against critics on Twitter, emphasizing the authenticity of her work. Bourdain later met with her and published a book featuring her columns, which included a foreword by him.

Hagerty’s impact extended beyond her viral review. She was a beloved figure in Grand Forks, known for her long-standing community involvement. In 2002, a lift station was dedicated in her honor, a testament to her legacy. As Gail Hagerty reminisced about her mother, she mentioned that she planned to visit the lift station to leave flowers.

Even at the age of 99, Hagerty continued writing for the Grand Forks Herald until last year. Her contributions to journalism and the community will leave a lasting impression, as she exemplified the spirit of local reporting with her genuine approach.

As the news of her passing spreads, many remember Marilyn Hagerty not only for her viral Olive Garden review but for her unwavering commitment to storytelling and her connection to the people of North Dakota.