Amazing ALS signed “Patsy & All,” seven pages, lightly-lined, 4.75 x 8, October 11, 1961. Written from Nashville, Tennessee, a letter to friends Marie and Pat Flynt, in full [grammar and spelling retained]: “Forgive me gal for not writing but I’ve been so busy and having so much sickness, I haven’t had time enough to change my mind let alone, write. I owe fifteen letters by now I know. Got your letter and it sure is great to hear you all are coming down for the doings Nov. 2nd 3rd & 4th. That’s the dates but 3 & 4 are the important 2 days. No tickets of any kind are nessarsary. Just come in and have a ball.
I left here the 22nd of Sept and worked N. Y. Canada & Michigan. Went into Wash where Mom has an apartment now (so Sis & John can work close) & dropped the kids for 2 weeks & I left the next day or I’d have called you but at that time didn’t have a No. Charlie went with me. I came back by way of D. C. & picked up the kids & flew in the next day to Nash. Left out the next day for Florida & just got home day befor yesterday & I’m leaving for Calif this coming Fri till the 29th of Oct. Got back just in time for the D. J. con. Got my 1960 black & white air cond. All power Cadillac coupe Deville today. Man, what a cat wagon. Wow?!! Both my babies have been so sick with what I don’t know for the past 3 days. Fevers of 100 to 105%. I’ve been up night & day with them since I got home.
Now here’s the sad part of my letter. Mom & Sis are coming to the Con. To see me get my awards & of course they will stay here but I’ll see to it that you have rooms at a near by motel so don’t worry about a place to stay. It’s already taken care of. I just want you all here. They say ‘Crazy’ is a smash. It’s already hit Veraity pop charts last week 75 & moved 5 places this week. Music Reporter has it in top 30 C & W already & Music Vender has it already in pop & C & W charts. I’m real glad but can’t hardly believe it’s happening to me. My album is being pressed now for release in 3 ½ weeks. Soon as I get my records I’ll send you some.
Honey chile, you didn’t make me mad and don’t ever think you will by telling me honest & straight talk. I appreciate these things because any one can tell you how good they think you are, but they never tell you the real truth & what they really think. So any time you see something wrong or think I should be told my wrongs & rights, you tell me. I do wish we could take a long tour, the two of us. Ree, my life is the most up set. I’m fed up, don’t care if I ever see this man again, unhappy, tired of trying, sick, and tired of being hurt & used, I’m just plain Don’t give a dam any more.
He went on this past tour & got loaded & cussed & knocked me around in front of people & was out every night (after leaving me at the hospital) till five & six o’clock every night that I layed in that hosp. Soon as I leave town, he gets to drinkin and roars till I get back and don’t even come to pick me up at the airport.
So I’ve ask for a divorce. Again tonight I said when I finish this trip in Calif I’m going to a lawyer soon as I get back. Now he’s beggin me to stay with him. But I’m finished with trying, crying, begging, and there’s nothing left to be hurt any more. I think he found that out for sure to night for the first time & believe it. He’s really actin like he’s shook. But it don’t move me. I’ve had it! I’m almost out of my mind worrying over what to do. Stay here or leave him. The children are the reason I’m here now. I’d do any thing to make them happy.
Well I’ve got to get a little sleep while I can. The kids are at last asleep so I’ll write more while I’m on the road for the next 15 days. Be good & come to see us soon as you can. Sure will be great to see you all. Tell Bill & Betty hello and we are waiting for you all. Love you Gal.” Addressed on reverse of last page in another hand. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Cline’s own hand.
As a follow-up to her chart-topping Hank Cochran cover ‘I Fall to Pieces,’ Cline recorded the single ‘Crazy,’ a song originally penned by a then unknown Willie Nelson, on August 21, 1961. Released five days after this letter was written, the song became a massive, signature hit for Cline, who continued to widen her appeal to both pop and country audiences. Still recovering from a head-on collision from mid-June, Cline performed the song at the Grand Ole Opry with the aid of crutches; the mention of her new “All power Cadillac coupe Deville” likewise harkens back to her terrifying crash. Although Cline candidly discusses the abuse she endured from her husband, Charlie Dick, and seems set on demanding a divorce, the couple remained together up and until Cline’s tragic plane crash on March 5, 1963. A rare and revealing personal letter from the legendary country singer. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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