She was the wife of the legendary songwriter Cole Porter, a union that spanned over three decades before ultimately ending in divorce in 1912. Long before she became widely known as Cole Porter’s wife, she first crossed paths with him at an elegant high-society wedding banquet—an encounter that would shape the course of her life. Born into a well-connected and politically influential family, she was the daughter of Lilly Hill and William Paca Lee, a prominent financier. As Cole Porter’s wife, she navigated both the glamour and complexities of a marriage intertwined with fame, artistry, and social prominence. Her identity as Cole Porter’s wife remained central through the years, even as their relationship evolved and eventually concluded.
While she was living in France, she happened to be neighbors with the famous composer Cole Porter, and interestingly enough, they both lived near the well-known philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. It’s kind of remarkable when you think about it—such influential figures sharing the same neighborhood. She often reflected on those days, recalling how life in France brought her into close proximity with such brilliant minds, including Cole Porter, whose presence added a certain cultural flair to the community. Being neighbors with Cole Porter certainly made for some memorable moments during her time abroad.