Now this is something I was not expecting this afternoon. News has broken that plus size model, actress and mother, Anna Nicole Smith, was found dead today in a Florida hotel. Information is sketchy at this point but I'm sure speculations will fly around the internet as to the cause of the bombshell's death.

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith first gained recognition as Playboy's 1993 playmate of the year. At 39 years of age, she was only three years older than Marilyn Monroe when she was found dead. Monroe was one of Anna Nicole Smith's idols and someone who she often impersonated both in dress and presence.

Death (and controversy) seems to surround this poor woman who has lived the latter half of her short life in the not-so-positive media light. Her first husband an oil tycoon from Texas, who was also old enough to be her great grandfather, died in 1995 leaving her a billion dollar heiress. This also led to numerous long term lawsuits with his family who labelled her a gold digger. Last year she buried her 20 year old son, Daniel, who died of a drug overdose.

Anna Nicole Smith's sordid background and past indiscretions may link the possibility of a drug overdose as a plausible cause. I'll admit my first thought was a complication with the diet aide she's a spokesmodel for. It'll be interesting to hear the results of the autopsy. But until then it will be a frenzy of speculation.

What's unfortunate, besides the loss of a life, is the fact Anna Nicole Smith is leaving behind a baby girl who'll never get to know the woman outside media exploitation. It also leaves the question as to who'll take care of her. Anna Nicole's new husband (and lawyer) Howard K. Stern or will the "father" suing for paternity?

Anna Nicole's weight cycles have been a topic of discussion since she first entered the spotlight. Whether people like it or not she broke the traditional mode of the pin-up girl. She has many fans out there and I'm sure they will be as shocked and disappointed that she never had the chance to show her true potential. Rest in peace, Anna Nicole.

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