many people on my flist have remarked upon the passing of Bettie Page. many have posted photos of this beautiful woman.... but I found it strange that they were all photos of what she looked like in the 1950s. why do we not see any more current pictures of this beautiful woman, to see her beautifully aging?

I did some research:
In a recent interview, Page has stated she will not allow any current pictures of her to be shown, because she is 25 to 30 pounds overweight.
Bettie Page Resources

I think it is incredibly sad that her career gave her such a terrible self image - that she could not accept herself as less than perfect. it must have been excruciatingly painful for her to go through the aging process and slowly lose her youthful beauty, to feel such self hatred at having a few extra pounds that she won't allow anyone to take a picture.

so the next time you are oohing and ahhing at pictures of Bettie Page, remember how much that idealism and perfectionism damaged her as a human being.

A friend believes the reason for her reluctance is more likely insecurity. "If your grandmother looked like Bettie does today, you'd be thrilled. Her eyes still sparkle. She really looks like her old self."

too bad we will never get to see, or celebrate her beauty as an older woman.