Booked Up: Everybody Loves Connie

Connie Chung was the center of attention at the home of Alan and Nancy Taylor Bubes on Oct. 9. A happy crowd on the outside penthouse balcony was there to hear from the veteran journalist, who has just published her memoir, simply entitled “Connie.”

Chung and her husband Maury Povich addressed admirers as Chung — who was born in Washington, D.C., after her family emigrated from China — mentioned that she “grew up with four sisters, tough women.” She then listed three big takeaways from her life.

First, she noted that her father had said, “Maybe some day you can carry on the family name.” Chung added, “I guess I was the son that my parents never had.”

Second, she said she always “wanted to be Walter Cronkite. And I finally got to a chance to sit in half of that seat.” Chung said of her co-anchor, “I’m rather not say his name.” Still, she continued, “When I was dumped, our son’s adoption came through …”

Third, she realized how many Connies were named after her. A certain Connie Wang called her and told her that she was adopted at three years old and her parents told her she needed a new name. Chung said that all the little girl knew at the time from TV was “Connie” and “Elmo.” Fortunately, she chose “Connie.” That little girl went on to U.C. Berkeley — “and discovered a sisterhood of Connies.” 

“A lot of Asian babes were named after me,” Chung said. Povich added, “You were the Jackie Robinson of all Asian-American TV journalists.”

As Chung was applauded and prepared for her table full of books, Nancy Taylor Bubes told her there was a Mayor’s proclamation for her. To which she replied, “This is like the bat mitzvah I never had.” And then Chung proceeded to sign her memoir for hours and spoke to each guest personally.

tagsAbbe Lowellauthor signingBook PublishingCBS NewsConnie ChungMaury PovichNancy Taylor BubesTV journalist