Annette Dionne, Last of the Dionne Quintuplets, Passes Away

Annette Dionne, the last surviving member of the legendary Dionne Quintuplets, has died. She passed away at the age of 91 on Christmas Eve, as announced by the Dionne Quintuplets Museum in North Bay, Ontario.

Legacy of the Dionne Quintuplets

Born on May 28, 1934, in Corbeil, Ontario, the Dionne Quintuplets—comprising Annette, Emilie, Yvonne, Cécile, and Marie—were the first known quintuplets to survive early infancy. Their extraordinary birth quickly turned them into a global sensation.

Their Early Life

During the Great Depression, the Ontario government took custody of the Quintuplets when they were just a few months old. This controversial action was due to their parents already having five other children. The government placed the girls under a guardianship that controversially exhibited them to the public.

• The exhibit, known as “Quintland,” became Canada’s largest tourist attraction.
• Millions lined up to view the Quintuplets through a one-way mirror.
• The exhibition generated approximately $500 million for the province.

Impact and Exploitation

While the fame brought economic benefits, it had a devastating effect on the sisters’ personal lives. Their mother, Olivia Dionne, fought unsuccessfully for years to regain custody. The sisters later distanced themselves from public life at the age of 18, moving to Montreal.

Tragic Losses and Compensation

As time went on, the Quintuplets faced numerous tragedies. Emilie passed away in 1954, followed by Marie in 1970. This year, Cécile also died. In the 1990s, Cécile sought compensation from the Ontario government for the exploitation the sisters endured during their childhood.

In 1998, the Ontario government issued an apology and awarded the surviving sisters a total of $4 million. Tragically, Yvonne succumbed to cancer three years later.

Annette’s Advocacy

In a 2019 interview, Annette emphasized the importance of protecting childhood as a valuable period that should not be commercialized. She worked tirelessly to ensure the legacy of the Dionne Quintuplets was preserved. The Dionne Quintuplets Museum, now located in North Bay, stands as a testament to their remarkable story.

Annette Dionne’s advocacy for children’s rights and her rich family history will continue to inspire future generations. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Dionne Quintuplets, but their legacy endures.