Diane Sawyer

Sawyer in 2007, photo by Starfrenzy/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Lila Diane Sawyer

Place of Birth: Glasgow, Barren, Kentucky, United States

Date of Birth: December 21, 1945

Ethnicity: English, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish, Irish, German, and Swiss-German

Diane Sawyer is an American journalist. She is the daughter of Jean W. (Dunagan) and Erbon Powers “Tom” Sawyer, a county judge. She was married to director, producer, actor, and comedian Mike Nichols, until his death.

Diane’s paternal grandfather was James Alexander Garfield Sawyer (the son of Frederick Hartwell Sawyers and Sarah Mackey). James was born in Kentucky. Frederick was the son of Leander Machesney Sawyers and Sarah Frances Booher. Diane’s great-grandmother Sarah was the daughter of Alexander Mackey and Dorcas Smith.

Diane’s paternal grandmother was Nettie Lenora Hay (the daughter of Ambrose Richard Hay and Victoria Emily Johnson/Johnston). Nettie was born in Kentucky. Ambrose was the son of William Hay and Nancy Wright. Victoria was the daughter of John G. Johnston and Hannah Wright.

Diane’s maternal grandfather was Foxie B. Dunagan (the son of Lafayette Dunagan and Mary Walta/Alta Weaver). Foxie was born in Kentucky. Lafayette was the son of Solomon Henry Harrison Dunagan and Mary Matilda Loveall/Lovell. Diane’s great-grandmother Mary was the daughter of Robert Slaughter Weaver and Janetta Cooper Mercer.

Diane’s maternal grandmother was Nora Belle Roberts (the daughter of The Rev. Reuben Riley Roberts and Martha Ellen Caylor). Nora was born in Kentucky. Martha was the daughter of Pleasant Caylor and Tamsey Jane Bell.

Source: Genealogy of Diane Sawyer – http://www.geni.com