Astronaut Sally Ride granted permission to her partner to disclose their 27-year relationship just 10 days before passing away. The extraordinary love story between Ride and Tam O’Shaughnessy is at the heart of a new documentary named “Sally.” The film premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January and is set to air on Nat Geo on June 16, followed by streaming on Disney+ on June 17.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/sally-ride-Tam-OShaughnessy-031825-6b19d8447f1a4f0386c5f6767de0ab5d.jpg)
Sally Ride, known for being the first American woman in space, is celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements. However, the documentary sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of her life – her enduring romance with Tam O’Shaughnessy. The couple kept their relationship private for many years, but O’Shaughnessy decided to reveal the truth shortly before Ride passed away in 2012 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 61.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Tam O’Shaughnessy shared, “Ten days before she died, I asked her how I should be to the public.” She explained that Ride wanted her to decide on the level of transparency regarding their relationship when addressing the public. O’Shaughnessy felt that keeping their relationship hidden did not align with their truth and honesty, which led to the pivotal decision to share their love story.
The documentary features intimate moments between the couple, carefully recreated based on O’Shaughnessy’s memories. Director Cristina Costantini highlighted O’Shaughnessy’s vulnerability and sincerity, emphasising that her participation was crucial in capturing Sally Ride’s essence. The film provides a glimpse into their enchanting relationship, from childhood friends to romantic partners in the ’80s, aiming to portray Ride as a hidden hero in her personal life.
Tam O’Shaughnessy spoke candidly about her emotional journey during the filming, recounting touching moments and reflecting on Ride’s illness. She expressed, “When I was describing my relationship with Sally, and especially when Sally got sick, I got teary-eyed, and it just got me all the way through to my heart and guts.” O’Shaughnessy’s raw emotions and storytelling add depth and authenticity to the documentary, offering viewers a poignant insight into their extraordinary bond.
The profound love story between Sally Ride and Tam O’Shaughnessy serves as a testament to enduring love, friendship, and shared experiences. The documentary “Sally” is a tribute to their remarkable relationship, capturing the essence of two extraordinary individuals who defied conventions and embraced their truth. Through O’Shaughnessy’s lens, viewers are invited to witness a side of Sally Ride that goes beyond her astronaut persona, delving into the intimate moments that defined their 27-year journey together.