Jackie Siegel is no stranger to speaking up.
The socialite entrepreneur, who began her well-known media presence when a 2012 documentary about her life and husband David Siegel screened, is one woman who will always have an opinion that matters.
“The Queen of Versailles” made her a household name as the story of a couple out to build one of the largest and most expensive single-family houses in the United States took over the minds of American audiences and accumulated with a massive fan base. Her vision to build the American Dream also made her a pop icon.
Her celebrity status only grew, and she took on more leading television roles, such as the series “Queen of Versailles Reigns Again” (Discovery+ and HBO Max). Her real-life story even has Broadway calling with theater darling Kristin Chenoweth looking at launching the stage version of the socialite’s life.
She is winning in the entertainment industry with serious accolades, but despite all the shining moments it is also important to note that one moment of a tragedy profoundly took over her world in ways she never expected. In 2015 her precious daughter, Victoria, died of a drug overdose at age 18.
Finding a way to honor her child, she took on a mission to save other lives. Launching Victoria’s Voice helped to create novel resources to educate, inspire, change, and give hope to families affected by the drug crisis in our country. The foundation has taken on instrumental role in many communities. Most recently they hosted a fundraiser gala where the icon Priscilla Presley received a Legacy Award.
Victoria’s Voice Foundation fundraiser in Florida raised funds to combat opioid overdose crisis. The 78-year-old ex-wife of late rock legend Elvis Presley was presented with the award by at a private estate in Palm Island, Florida in November.
Over 300 attendees gathered for the Music for Life Gala started with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, dancing and a thrilling performance by Pattie LaBelle.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 11: Co-Founder of Victorias Voice Foundation, Jackie Siegel, Priscilla Presley and Co-Founder of Victorias Voice Foundation, David Siegel attend Victoria’s Voice Foundation 2023 Music For Life Gala on November 11, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Ivan Apfel/Getty Images for Victoria’s Voice Foundation )
Speaking to Jackie during an exclusive sit-down interview after the show, she reflected on why this time of the year the meaning of life takes on a much richer meaning than all the golden crowns a queen might wear in a lifetime.
With Thanksgiving coming around the corner, gratitude is on the minds of everyone. Your charity came from tragedy, but now so many are thankful for the work you do. Why is it important this time of the year to remember to give? And why is your cause also important during the holidays?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because the words “thanks” and “giving” are so important. Being appreciative of all we have while tending to the needs of others is the key to life. Giving back to the community is very important to David and me and it is why we founded Victoria’s Voice after Victoria’s death. Families across the United States have been impacted by drugs. Victoria’s legacy is reflected in the 1 million lives we have touched through our programs. In our family, every day is Thanksgiving.
You have a lot of celeb attraction to your foundation, such as with Priscilla Presley being honored most recently? Why do so many public figures take time to recognize and stand up for the cause?
Celebrities have seen firsthand the devastation created by drug overdoses that have taken the lives of their friends and colleagues. They are raising their hands to help be part of the solution. Furthermore, the rise of drug “poisoning” of street drugs with extremely potent synthetic opioids is significantly contributing to the escalating number of unintentional deaths, and celebrities can be helpful in drawing attention to this issue.
With your shows balancing giving and time to give must be a challenge – how do you do it all?
Victoria’s death was a tragic but powerful reminder of the fragility of life. David and I understand how fortunate we are to be able to support causes that are vitally important to us.
What is next for you in entertainment? Fans love you for being a bold personality as much as they do for your charity work, so they want to know, of course, what more to expect.
“The Queen of Versailles” is a new musical in development, based on the 2012 documentary, starring Kristin Chenoweth and featuring music by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”).
For more information on the crucial work of the foundation, please visit HERE.
Photos Courtesy Victoria’s Voice and jacquelinesiegel.com.