Veteran newspaper columnist Marilyn Hagerty, whose unpretentious review of a Grand Forks Olive Garden restaurant unexpectedly captivated a national audience and became a cultural phenomenon, has died at the age of 99. Her death was announced on Wednesday, September 18.
Hagerty dedicated over seven decades to journalism, primarily at the Grand Forks Herald in North Dakota, where she chronicled local life, events, and dining with a straightforward, sincere voice. She became a beloved and familiar fixture in her community, continuing to write regularly well into her 90s.
Her foray into internet stardom occurred in 2012, when her review of the newly opened Olive Garden in Grand Forks was shared online. In the piece, Hagerty described the restaurant’s “big, warm, fluffy breadsticks” and its “never-ending bowl of salad,” among other observations, with an earnestness that resonated deeply with readers.
While some initially found the review quaint or humorous, it quickly garnered widespread attention, drawing both effusive praise and cynical mockery. The article’s viral spread sparked a national conversation about food criticism, small-town journalism, and online culture. Hagerty herself handled the sudden fame with grace and good humor, often expressing surprise at the commotion. She appeared on national television and was interviewed by major news outlets, steadfastly defending her approach to local dining.
Marilyn was a journalist of profound integrity who approached every story, big or small, with the same meticulous care and genuine interest,” stated a longtime colleague at the Grand Forks Herald. “Her fame from the Olive Garden review was a delightful surprise, but it was her decades of consistent, heartfelt reporting that truly defined her legacy for us.
Even amidst the national spotlight, Hagerty remained committed to her local beat, continuing to cover Grand Forks with the same dedication she had always shown. Her passing marks the end of an era for Grand Forks journalism and the loss of a distinctive voice that inadvertently bridged the gap between local reporting and global internet fame. She leaves behind a legacy of authentic storytelling and a memorable chapter in online cultural history.
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