Molly Ivins, American journalist and author (b. 1944)

Mary Tyler "Molly" Ivins (August 30, 1944 – January 31, 2007) was an influential American newspaper columnist, a prolific author, a sharp political commentator, and a beloved humorist whose distinctive voice and wit left an indelible mark on journalism and political discourse.

Early Life, Education, and Pioneering Journalism

Born in California, Molly Ivins was primarily raised in Texas, an upbringing that profoundly shaped her unique perspective and signature "Texas humor." She pursued her higher education at two highly respected institutions: Smith College, a prestigious liberal arts college for women, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, one of the nation's premier programs for aspiring journalists. This robust academic background provided the foundation for her celebrated career.

Ivins began her professional journalism journey at the Minneapolis Tribune. There, she quickly distinguished herself by becoming the paper's first female police reporter. This groundbreaking role, traditionally dominated by men, required tenacity, direct engagement with challenging situations, and a keen eye for detail, all qualities that would define her later work.

From Local Roots to National Acclaim

In the early 1970s, Ivins returned to her roots, joining The Texas Observer, an independent, progressive publication known for its investigative journalism and critique of established power structures. This environment provided a fertile ground for her burgeoning, outspoken voice. Her talent then led her to The New York Times; however, her famously irreverent humor and unconventional approach sometimes clashed with the paper's more traditional editorial style, leading to her return to Texas.

The 1980s saw Ivins cement her status as a leading voice in Texas journalism, serving as a prominent columnist for the Dallas Times Herald. Her column became immensely popular for its biting wit and incisive political analysis. Following the sale and subsequent shuttering of the Times Herald in 1991, Ivins seamlessly transitioned her column to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, demonstrating the high demand for her unique perspective. Ultimately, her distinct brand of political commentary and humor gained national recognition, leading to her column's wide syndication by Creators Syndicate, appearing in hundreds of newspapers across the United States. This extensive reach solidified her position as a nationally recognized figure who could make complex political issues accessible and entertaining.

A Rebel Life and Enduring Legacy

Molly Ivins's impactful life and career are thoroughly chronicled in the critically acclaimed 2010 biography, Molly Ivins: A Rebel Life. This insightful work was co-written by Bill Minutaglio, a PEN-USA winning presidential biographer known for his meticulous research, and W. Michael Smith, offering a comprehensive look at her multifaceted personality and her unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and social justice.

Her unique writing style, characterized by its "broad Texas humor" and "razor-sharp wit," was aptly described by The Forbes Media Guide Five Hundred in 1994:


Ivins's pithy assessments of politics and life at large crackle with broad Texas humor. Combining her talent for culling information with her razor-sharp wit, she throws a powerful knockout punch. ... Whether one agrees with her or not, Ivins's pen pierces both the brain and the funny bone.


This assessment underscores her extraordinary ability to blend serious political critique with genuinely laugh-out-loud humor. Molly Ivins was a master of political satire, frequently using her distinctive Texan voice and a keen eye for hypocrisy to challenge powerful figures and expose societal absurdities. She often targeted corporate influence, political corruption, and conservative extremism, ensuring that her commentary, though often rooted in Texas politics, resonated with national audiences who valued her fierce independence and commitment to civil liberties and environmental protection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Molly Ivins

What was Molly Ivins best known for?
Molly Ivins was widely celebrated for her syndicated newspaper columns, which combined sharp political commentary with distinctive Texas humor and satire. She was also a successful author and political commentator.
What was Molly Ivins's political stance?
Molly Ivins was a fiercely liberal and progressive voice in American journalism. She often advocated for civil liberties, social justice, environmental protection, and government accountability, frequently critiquing conservative politics and corporate power.
How did Molly Ivins use humor in her writing?
Ivins masterfully employed humor, often through sarcasm, irony, and folksy Texas idioms, to deliver incisive political critiques. Her wit allowed her to tackle serious and often contentious topics in an engaging and accessible way, piercing through rhetoric to highlight absurdity and hypocrisy.
Where did Molly Ivins publish her work throughout her career?
Her career included stints at the Minneapolis Tribune, The Texas Observer, The New York Times, the Dallas Times Herald, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Her column was eventually syndicated by Creators Syndicate, appearing in hundreds of newspapers nationwide.