Noteworthy

WASILLA — Piper Palin missed most of her classes last week, but it’s OK. She brought notes.

The 8-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin, along with 15-year-old sister Willow, joined the former Alaska governor in taping some interviews leading up to today’s release of Palin’s book, “Going Rogue: An American Life.”

Perhaps the third-grader wanted more pull than just a note from a former governor and vice presidential candidate. So, after sitting in the front row while her mother was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in Chicago on Wednesday, Piper asked the talk show host for a note excusing her from class, said Palin aide Meg Stapleton. She then got another note on Friday from Barbara Walters.

“It was fun,” Piper said in a release from Stapleton. “And I like watching them write the homeroom excuse notes for me.”

The girls were back in school on Monday, but enjoyed their time with the famous interviewers, Stapleton said.

“Oprah and Barbara Walters were very cool and nice,” Willow said. “I enjoyed meeting them and the chance to see Chicago and New York City this time of  year.”

First on the itinerary was the “Oprah Winfrey Show” and a Tuesday evening visit to Gino’s East for its world-famous deep-dish pizza. A tradition at the restaurant is for people of note to write their names on the wall, and Piper wrote hers and her mother’s.

At the studio, “Oprah had gifts for (the sisters) and they got their hair and make-up done,” Stapleton said. Piper received an American Girl doll and Willow the “Twilight” series of books. “And they were both thrilled and excited to get those, for sure.”

The girls sat in the front row while Sarah Palin talked with Oprah, then flew to New York, where they were part of the taping of three segments with Barbara Walters. The Oprah interview was aired on Monday, while the Walters interviews begin airing today on “Good Morning America,” “Nightline” and “20/20.”

In New York, Willow and Piper sat on a couch with their mother while Walters asked questions, including what it was like last year on the campaign trail and if the girls really do like eating moose chili.

But it was Piper’s request for excuse notes for her teacher that tickled the hosts, Stapleton said.

“Oprah was hysterical,” she said. “You could tell she thoroughly enjoyed writing it. She not only reacted well, but it was definitely the backstage scene. She was absorbing and loving every moment of it.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.

BREAKOUTS

THE NOTES

Following are transcripts of the excuse notes Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters wrote to Piper Palin’s third-grade teacher, Ms. McKay:

Dear Ms. McKey (sic),

Please excuse Piper (my new friend) from homeroom class.

I asked that she appear on the Oprah Show.

Unfortunately we’re in Chicago. Not Alaska. So she had to miss a “few” days for traveling.

All the best, Blessings.

Oprah Winfrey

Dear Ms. McKay

Please allow Piper to be with me for an interview.

Thank you. (I hear you are a wonderful teacher.)

Barbara Walters