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.
  
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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
Comments
17 comment(s)Denise Brna-Kusky wrote on Nov 24, 2009 5:43 PM:
I really like Sarah as a person, but I really don't know much about her to really form an opinion about her. "
June wrote on Nov 22, 2009 2:13 PM:
B. Houghton wrote on Nov 22, 2009 12:32 PM:
Archivist1000 wrote on Nov 22, 2009 11:39 AM:
Sarah is just as much a phony as she is clueless. She may SAY she is a 'real, no-nonsense American' but she is wearing a scarf that is the very symbol of old-world upper-crust elitism... she WANTS so badly to belong to that 'class' of people ... it's funny. She is no doubt clueless as to the message she sends ... might as well be wearing a rhinestone tiara! "
Archivist1000 wrote on Nov 22, 2009 11:34 AM:
Taking kids out of school is a big deal! Sarah has them hobnobbing with the very 'elite' she likes to trash when it suits her.
I can't believe anyone would think this is acceptable, unless you are so star struck that it trumps 'education' . "
MO Inkslinger wrote on Nov 22, 2009 11:20 AM:
B. Houghton wrote on Nov 22, 2009 10:41 AM:
DLG wrote on Nov 20, 2009 12:09 PM:
Obvious devisive PR baloney (using the children AGAIN) to create some kind of school-field-trip-educational-experience spin to justify school absence because Mom needs them.
Nothing wrong with homeschooling, traveling with children. But get a nanny and a tutor! Take care of them! "
John.Frank wrote on Nov 19, 2009 9:32 AM:
Rafikki wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:13 AM:
I'm sure the girl's had a great time.
I kind of feel sorry for Hybrid I think whoever put a gun to their head and forced them read this lovley article should be jailed. "
navy wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:02 AM:
Susan wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:42 AM:
Hybrid...do you have the same sanctimonious concern for the Obama children as well? "
Mark wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:06 PM:
molly wrote on Nov 18, 2009 5:52 PM:
Missy from Mississippi wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:04 AM:
To Hybrid wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:50 AM:
Hybrid wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:34 PM:
The Frontiersman might have given some thought as to how this story will affect Palin's children. After all, they did not choose to be in the spotlight. I expect they wish they could just be "normal " children. "