Babe Paley Children: Meet Amanda Burden, Kate Paley, Stanley Grafton Mortimer III

Barbara Cushing Mortimer Paley, better known as Babe Paley, was a prominent figure in American society and a celebrated magazine editor.

Throughout her life, she had two marriages, and from each union, she welcomed a son and a daughter, extending her legacy through the lives of her children.

From her first marriage to Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr., she had two children:

Meet Stanley Grafton Mortimer III

Born in 1942, Stanley Grafton Mortimer III pursued his education at Harvard. In 1971, he married Siri Larsen, embarking on a new chapter in his life.

Meet Amanda Burden

Amanda, born in 1944, entered into matrimony with Carter Burden Jr. in 1964. Carter Burden Jr. was a descendant of the Vanderbilt family. Amanda Burden later made significant contributions as the New York City Planning Commissioner from 2002 to 2013, playing a key role in the development of the iconic High Line.

Following her marriage to William S. Paley, Babe Paley had two more children:

Meet William C. “Bill” Paley

Born in 1948, Bill Paley took on the responsibility of relaunching La Palina, a cigar company initially established by his grandfather, Sam Paley, in 1896. His endeavors in the business world were complemented by his marriage to Alison Van Metre, the daughter of Albert Van Metre, founder of Van Metre Homes.

Meet Kate Cushing Paley

Born in 1950, Kate made her “nondebut” in 1968, shortly after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Her life unfolded against the backdrop of significant historical events.

While Babe Paley was a public figure celebrated for her elegance and sophistication, her children have provided glimpses into the more private aspects of her personality.

William, reflecting on his mother, noted, “She wasn’t the warmest person in the world. She had her own intimacy.” Amanda Burden, in an interview with New York Magazine, acknowledged that their relationship was not particularly close, stating, “It was her choice, not mine.” The nuances of Babe Paley’s character, less visible to the public, offer a more intimate portrait as seen through the eyes of her children.