Julien’s Auctions to Sell The Ashes of Truman Capote

By Maryann Yin 

Truman Capote 200 (GalleyCat)Julien’s Auctions will sell off the ashes of Truman Capote. The author (pictured, via) became well-known for his 1958 novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s and his 1966 novel In Cold Blood.

The Washington Post reports that Capote’s ashes were in the possession of Joanne Carson, the second wife of Johnny Carson, following the passing of Capote in 1984. According to the auction house’s website, the remains are being contained in Japanese-style wooden box. The auction event is scheduled to take place from September 23 to 24 in Los Angeles, CA.

Darren Julien, the CEO of the auction company, addressed the unusual nature of this sale in an interview with Vanity Fair: “I am sure people are going to think this is disrespectful. But this is a fact: Truman Capote loved the element of shock. He loved publicity. And I’m sure he’s looking down laughing, and saying, ‘That’s something I would have done.’ He was a larger-than-life character.” (via W Magazine)