Today we are speaking with Patti Wicklund about Jane McCormick, her spouse and writing partner who passed away a few weeks ago. Patti and Jane are the co-authors of ‘Rat Pack Party Girl: From Prostitute to Women's Advocate'.

My relationship with Janie was no different than any other relationship, and yet extraordinary at the same time: it was real love, honesty, and trust between two people who shared the same values and beliefs. We never left each other’s side, helping each other through life’s obstacles, confiding in each other, and bonding for life when we had a marriage ceremony in 2015.

 
Writing Janie’s story was hard. Janie didn’t want to go through the abuse she experienced over her lifetime in her head again, even if this time, she wouldn’t have to do it alone. We cried, we argued, we suffered again through her pain together. But we also couldn’t help but laugh at times—sometimes a lot—when we talked about the splashes of fun and funny times she shared with Sinatra and the other celebrities. Her life back then was nothing to glorify, but some of her stories couldn’t help but make you smile.

 
Some people were hesitant about Janie and her past, or about us and our relationship. But they soon learned how wonderful she was. She was sincere, and always wanted to help others. She always had love in her heart and others could see that clearly through her boisterous expressions and dynamic personality. Until the very end, she kept up the same personality that Frank always liked, as he once told her, “Janie, you got class. Not many people have it, but you were born with it!” And I know she left this world with it too.

 
Janie will be dearly missed. Her book is a magical little piece of her she so graciously left behind that tells of her tragedies and triumphs, and inspires us all to never give up on ourselves, to fight for what is right, and to always believe in love.

Rat Pack Party Girl: From Prostitute to Women's Advocate' by Patti Wicklund and Jane McCormick is available on Amazon here.