Marianne Ihlen, Bird on the Wire

The Dolls Podcast brings Marianne Ihlen out from the shadows her famous loves' legends have cast.

If you’re a Dolls Podcast listener, you’ve almost certainly heard the story of Pattie Boyd: the beautiful blonde who had two great talents pining for her affection. But have you heard of Marianne Ihlen?

Pictured: Marianne with her first husband, author Axel Jensen (c. 1960)

From a quaint village in Norway, Marianne fell in love with Axel Jensen, the “Norwegian Jack Kerouac.” Together they journeyed to the Greek island of Hydra, where they were among the first of the island’s ex-pat community. Just as their marriage fell apart, who should show up on Hydra but one of the greatest songwriters of all-time: Leonard Cohen. He will write several of his greatest songs about her, including “So Long, Marianne," “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye," and "Bird on the Wire."

Pictured: Marianne, with Leonard Cohen

Pictured: Marianne Ihlen, on the back cover of Leonard Cohen's Songs From a Room (1969)

Her humility and kindness influenced Leonard across geographic borders, 3 albums, and beyond. This week, the Dolls Pod brings Marianne’s story out from the shadows her famous lovers’ legends have cast.

Plus, Emma and Abby chat about the wonders of Peppa Pig Land, weird allergies, and post-breakup haircuts. Some things really are canon events!

Featuring music by Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins, and Joni Mitchell 🌊

Unveiling the Legends: Dolls of the 60s and 70s is available wherever you stream your podcasts

or head to the Podcasts page of my site!