Lucy Vodden, the woman who inspired the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” died last Tuesday at the age of 46.
Vodden’s death, after a long battle with Lupus, was announced on Monday by the St. Thomas Hospital in London, where she was being treated.
Vodden, who’s maiden name was O’Donnell, was a childhood friend of John Lennon‘s son, Julian. After painting a picture of her with diamond-shaped eyes, young Julian brought the drawing home from school, and told his dad, “That’s Lucy in the sky with diamonds,” inspiring the song which appeared on the 1967 album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
Many have speculated that the song is a reference to LSD, however, the Beatles, who admitted to using the drug around that time, never confirmed the rumor.
Julian Lennon had been in contact with Lucy in recent years, supporting her through her illness.
View the Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds drawing below: