Gallery Books to Publish Memoir with Shirley Jones, June 2013

Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, will publish a memoir by beloved Oscar-winning actress Shirley Jones, star of films including Oklahoma!, Carousel, and The Music Man; and for her iconic television role as Shirley Partridge on The Partridge Family, it was announced by Louise Burke, Executive Vice President and Publisher. The book is scheduled for publication in June 2013.

In the currently untitled book, which Jones will write with New York Times bestselling author, Wendy Leigh, readers will get a chance to meet the real Shirley Jones—an earthy, gutsy woman far removed from her winsome movie image and from Shirley Partridge. Shirley writes with candor about her life as a mother, stepmother, and divorcee—from her first husband’s bisexuality, alcoholism, and mental illness to her current marriage to wacky TV comic Marty Ingels. She will also share stories about some of Hollywood’s biggest names—Sinatra, Brando, Burton, Stewart, Fonda, Cagney, for starters, and of course, her stepson and Partridge Family co-star, David Cassidy.

“If you prefer to view me as Oklahoma’s sweet, innocent Laurie or the All-American mom, Shirley Partridge, this might not be the book for you," Jones said. "Otherwise, bring out the smelling salts, hang on to your hats and get ready for a few jolts I’m not sure I’m ready for my kids to read!”

Jennifer Bergstrom, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Gallery Books, said: “I adored the Shirley Jones I thought I knew but having read this book, I love her even more. Her story is sure to entertain, engross, and captivate generations of readers.”

Bergstrom negotiated the deal with Dan Strone, CEO of Trident Media Group, which includes world rights. Mitchell Ivers, Vice President and Senior Editor, will edit the book.