Mary Oliver, recognized as one of America’s most beloved poets, gained acclaim for her works that celebrate the natural world. Born on September 10, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, she spent her childhood immersed in nature, which greatly influenced her poetry.

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As a young adult, Oliver worked at the estate of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay in Austerlitz, New York, where she met her long-term partner, photographer Molly Malone Cook. They lived together for over 40 years until Cook's passing in 2005. Oliver found inspiration for her poetry during her time in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Throughout her life, Oliver published more than 30 collections of poetry and essays, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1984 for her collection *American Primitive*. Oprah Winfrey praised her work, describing Oliver's poems as a comfort during turbulent times.

**Timeline of Key Events in Mary Oliver’s Life and Career:**

- **September 10, 1935:** Mary Jane Oliver is born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Edward and Helen (née Vlasak) Oliver.

- **ca. 1949-50:** Begins writing poetry at age 14. Edna St. Vincent Millay, a significant influence, passes away in 1950.

- **Summer 1951:** Attends the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan.

- **Spring-Summer 1953:** Visits the Millay estate, Steepletop, where she stays for six years.

- **Mid 1950s:** Attends Vassar College and The Ohio State University but does not complete a degree.

- **Late 1950s:** Moves to Greenwich Village, New York, and meets Molly Malone Cook.

- **1963:** Her first poetry collection, *No Voyage and Other Poems*, is published.

- **1964:** Oliver and Cook begin spending summers in Provincetown.

- **1984:** *American Primitive* wins the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

- **1986:** The collection *Dream Work*, which includes famous poems like "Wild Geese," is published.

- **1988:** Serves as a juror for the Morse Poetry Prize.

- **1990-1992:** Publishes *House of Light* and *New and Selected Poems*, winning the National Book Award for Poetry.

- **1998:** Receives the Lannan Literary Award for Poetry.

- **2006:** Publishes *Thirst*, a collection dealing with themes of grief and faith.

- **2009:** *Evidence* is published, dedicated to her partner Anne.

- **January 17, 2019:** Mary Oliver passes away from lymphoma at age 83 in Florida.

- **September 2019:** A tribute event is held at The 92nd St Y in New York City to honor her legacy.

- **2023:** Oliver's papers, documenting her life and work, are donated to the Library of Congress.