Jenny Wallenda, 87, the matriarch of the internally famous family of high-flying circus performers, died late Saturday at her home in Sarasota, family members said.
Wallenda’s nephew, Rick Wallenda, said his aunt died following a lengthy illness.
“She had a great life in entertainment, a very rewarding and rich life,” he said.
Wallenda was the oldest daughter of high wire walker Karl Wallenda and grandmother of daredevil performer Nik Wallenda.
Jenny Wallenda’s husband, Richard Faughnan, died in 1962 when a human pyramid collapsed. Karl Wallenda fell to his death in 1978.