Very rare unsigned typed letter from Walt Disney, dictated by Disney while he was being treated at St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, California. The letter, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, December 12, 1966, addressed to Ken Browne, reads in full: "Thank you for your kind note. I'm very touched by your concern and want to assure you I am indeed on the road to recovery. May I wish you and Mrs. Browne a very joyous holiday season." Stapled to the upper left corner is a transmittal letter from Disney's secretary, Lucille Hoey, which reads: "While he was in the hospital Mr. Disney dictated the attached note of thanks for your good wishes. Even though he did not have a chance to sign it I know he would want you to know how much he appreciated your thinking of him." In fine condition, with light creasing along the bottom edge. Three days after this letter was dictated, on December 15, 1966, Walt Disney passed away at the age of 65 after a month-long struggle with lung cancer. Given his weakened state and the timeline of events—Hoey's use of the past tense indicating that Disney had passed prior to her writing the transmittal letter—this offering may very well represent the last letter Walt Disney would ever send.
