Eartha Kitt, a Seducer of Audiences, Dies at 81
By Rob Hoerburger New York Times: Dec. 26, 2008

Eartha Kitt, a rare triple-threat talent, dies of cancer at 81
By Elysa Gardner and Jim Cheng, USA TODAY

Sultry `Santa Baby' singer Eartha Kitt dies at 81
By Polly Anderson, AP Writer

Eartha wins 2008 Daytime Emmy Award for
"Outstanding Performer in an Animated Series!!"

Guess you were listening after all
I asked for you and you answered my call.
I heard your voice and then saw your face
Not far away from where I keep your space.
You looked so good, your voice sounded so strong
It’s hard to believe you’ve been gone for so long.
I sat, watching you there, up on the screen
My eyes filled with tears as you went through the scene.
Your presence was so real that it made me upset
I just wanted to grab on to that big TV set.
Oh, how I miss you, even more every day
With each step I feel fear as I make my own way.
Mom, I must thank you for hearing my plea
Knowing how much seeing you there meant to me.
Feeling you with me, gives me reason to say
That today was a truly memorable Mother’s Day.

~ Kitt Shapiro, on Mother's Day 2010