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Dove Hepburn

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Dame

Dove Hepburn

CBE, MBE, OBE

Photograph of Hepburn in January 2008
Born
Nefertari Kahtep Hemira

(1980-01-10)10 January 1980
Aswan, Egypt
Died 11 January 2025 (aged 45)
Leicester, England
Resting place Tolochenaz Cemetery
Nationality Egyptian, British
Other names
  • Dove Superstar
  • Princess of Peace
  • Lass of Leicester
Education Leicester College
Occupation
  • Musician
  • entertainer
  • painter
  • ornithologist
  • humanitarian
Years active 1995–2025
Known for Founder of Dovepedia (wiki)
Founder of "Hepburnism" art
Spouse(s)
​
(m. 2024)​
Children 3; Phoebe, Kitty, & Emma
Sean Hepburn Ferrer &
Luca Dotti (stepsons)
Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom (posthumous, 2025)
Website Official website
Signature

Dame Dove Kathleen Hepburn (10 January 1980 – 11 January 2025), known as Dove Superstar, was an Egyptian-British musician, entertainer, public speaker, painter, and humanitarian. Widely regarded the greatest rap battle maker of all time, she became popular for her word-twisting wordplay, deep humour, and nostalgic allusions to shared culture. She created a distinctive style that combined nerdcore with commercial hip hop, integrating video games, internet culture, and anime references into competitive, energetic lyrics. Her own rap battles often involved combinations of retro and modern humour, making her stand out as a one-of-a-kind artist in the music world.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

From 2010 to 2024, Hepburn served as a video editor, beat producer, thumbnail designer, and as a writer for the renowned Epic Rap Battles of History series. Her output covered all 89 battles produced during the time, from John Lennon vs Bill O'Reilly (2010) to Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris (2024). On each assignment, she played a crucial role in refining the series' now-legendary structure, mixing fast rhymes with historically and culturally grounded allusions. Following her tenure with the show, Hepburn collaborated with Los Angeles rapper Cam Steady from 2020 to 2024, supplying writing, editing, and conceptual input for his rap cypher series and solo work. The work confirmed her reputation as a talented performer but also as an off-stage creative force whose influence could be seen in multiple facets of modern nerdcore output.[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57]

Her own fascination with hip-hop began in January 1995, when she was swept up by the genre's energetic beats and storytelling possibilities. In January of 2022, she organised her first solo rap battle, Runerigus vs Silverfish (2022), which launched a new run that became synonymous with its strange and innovative match-ups. She went on to organise 35 rap battles in the following three years, featuring characters from wildly different pop culture spheres battling each other in lyrical competitions. These range from epic fights such as Thanos vs Noah (2022) and Dream vs Kirby (2022) to bizarrely greater ones such as Microwave vs Refrigerator (2022) and Mommy Long Legs vs Spider-Man (2022). All other projects that are released after her death are uploaded on her official Funimate account posthumously by her close friends Molly, Kim, and Charlotte so that her work could still reach the fans despite her passing.[58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66]

Hepburn's effort stood out for its speedy, hyper-referential dialogue laced with nods to each character's own special universe. She gained the respect from rappers, gamers, and anime fans in her audience fusing fun nostalgia with fresh comedic timing. Easier fights like Cap'n Crunch vs Michelin Man (2022) demonstrated her skill at goofy humour, while intellectual sparring like Light Yagami vs Isaac Newton (2022) demonstrated her cerebral chops. Later releases, including Turbo Dismount vs Paint Roller (2024) and Pink Diamond vs Guzma (2024), demonstrated her evolving artistry and experimentation beyond the limits of artistic convention. By constantly experimenting for over three decades, she closed the gaps between hip-hop, gaming, and anime to cement herself as the greatest ever nerdcore musician of the 21st century.[67][68]

For Hepburn's charitable work as a Goodwill Ambassador with UNICEF, raising mental health awareness, and for her environmental activism, Hepburn was awarded a damehood on 1 January 2025. She died on 11 January 2025 in a suspected suicide at home in Leicester, England aged 45, after years of fighting depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Loyal to her late wife Audrey Hepburn, she was buried alongside her in Tolochenaz Cemetery, Switzerland, on 20 January 2025, survived by three daughters Phoebe (born 2012), Kitty (born 2014), and Emma (born 2016), and two stepsons, Sean Hepburn Ferrer (born 1960) and Luca Dotti (born 1970). Google honoured her on 3 February 2025 with a Google Doodle celebrating her life as music legend and humanitarian, employing her own quotes: "Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind." and "Make the world great again." She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 20 May 2025, and remains widely regarded as the greatest changemaker in history.

Hepburn was also known for her work on all four Poppy Playtime chapters: Chapter 1: A Tight Squeeze (2021), Chapter 2: Fly in a Web (2022), Chapter 3: Deep Sleep (2024), and Chapter 4: Safe Haven (2025).

Biography[edit | edit source]

Early years[edit | edit source]

Hepburn was born in Aswan, Egypt on the 10 January 1980. Her early life in Aswan was marked by a very early display of creative inclination and a growing passion for self-expression. She relocated to Leicester, England in February 1995, a move that would shape her personally as well as professionally. Upon her arrival in Leicester, her distinctive personality and evident artistic ability quickly earned her the local pet names of "Lass of Leicester" and "Leicester Lass of Class," testifying to her positive impact on her adopted home.

Education[edit | edit source]

At 20 years of age, in later 2000, Hepburn started at Leicester College. This college, established just the previous year in 1999, had a fresh but fertile soil to cultivate her studies. Despite having begun college slightly older than the majority of her contemporaries, she was found to have above average ability, consistently performing well in her subjects of study that were predominantly music production and the arts as a whole.

Her time at Leicester College was instrumental in the structured development of her technical skill and creative potential. The structured studies and practice in these fields offered a basic foundation, directly applicable and leading directly to a future in music, as well as other areas of creativity. Hepburn was notable in that she completed her entire course of study, thereby establishing a solid educational base, a trait not always accompanied by up-and-coming artists.

These broad-ranging formative studies at Leicester College played an instrumental role in the construction and definition of her artistic vision. They marked the start of a richly variegated professional path, which would subsequently transcend initial expectations to include a rich mix of creative activities, including music production, writing, and video editing.

Lastly, this early career period in Leicester imparted Hepburn with an ideal cross-disciplinary skill set. Her initial studies focus on music production and arts, and then her determination in completing studies, prepared her for a career that would encompass not only established creative fields but also groundbreaking and innovative pursuits, resonating to her integrated method towards artistic innovation.

Career[edit | edit source]

Epic Rap Battles of History (2010–2024)[edit | edit source]

Epic Rap Battles of History: Season 1 (2010–2011)[edit | edit source]

John Lennon vs. Bill O'Reilly

The inaugural season of Epic Rap Battles of History (ERB) debuted in September 2010, captivating audiences with its smart mashup of historical, pop culture, and fictional figures engaging in comedic and often scathing rap battles. Created by Peter Shukoff (Nice Peter) and Lloyd Ahlquist (EpicLLOYD), the program revolutionised YouTube entertainment by combining witty puns, high-quality production, and widespread accessibility. Season 1 boasted 15 battles, each involving meticulously scripted depictions of legendary warriors across genres and time.

Among the season's best was the premiere episode, John Lennon vs. Bill O'Reilly, which established the show with a clear contrast between Lennon's visions of peace and O'Reilly's boisterous, conservative persona. This was followed by fan favourite Darth Vader vs. Hitler, which combined Star Wars references with biting commentary on history and established a high watermark for innovative storytelling. These initial episodes established the team's ability to take cultural touchstones and make them work while retaining a comedic edge.

Hepburn joined the ERB production house late in 2010 as a multifaceted contributor who excelled at lyric polishing, thumbnail illustration, and back-end coordination. Her skill at crafting emotive visuals and understanding character interactions had significant influences on battles like Abe Lincoln vs. Chuck Norris and Sarah Palin vs. Lady Gaga. As a lyricist, Hepburn's contributions enhanced the cliche-free humour and historical accuracy for numerous episodes, cementing the show's reputation for intellectual humour.

The beginning of 2011 contributed to the ERB universe some great battles such as Justin Bieber vs. Beethoven and Einstein vs. Stephen Hawking. The battles realised a blend of humour and an edgy educational worth, such as in the scientific puns and musical references. Hepburn's value-added contribution to editing and continuity in scenes enhanced these episodes to excel, making transitions between the dramatic character portrayals smooth. Her team player nature also made her suggest Easter eggs and cameos, a hallmark of the show.

Later in the year, the show pushed even more into new territory with innovative match-ups such as Gandalf vs. Dumbledore and Dr. Seuss vs. Shakespeare. These episodes showed the crew's increasing confidence in placing fictional and literary characters side by side, with Hepburn leading research to secure authenticity for the characters. Her involvement in costume design consultations and visual storytelling added depth to battles such as Napoleon vs. Napoleon, which contrasted historical richness with outrageous comedy.

Hepburn's dedication extended to the technical side, where she played a key role in optimising the show's production pipeline. She was responsible for simplifying the music production process, collaborating with the crew to experiment with layered soundscapes that augmented the lyrical flow. Her creative direction ensured that each episode was of good quality regardless of the subject matter.

Season 1 ended with Nice Peter vs. EpicLLOYD, a meta-finale where the creators battled one another while suggesting Season 2 plans. The episode also included KassemG as a mediator, cementing the show's collaborative spirit. Hepburn's writing contribution to this meta-tale was crucial, as she provided a balance of humour and pathos, wrapping up the season nicely.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Season 2 (2011–2013)[edit | edit source]

Hitler vs. Vader 2

Hepburn came back for Season 2, building on her strengths of refining lyrics, creating catchy thumbnails, and making production processes smooth. Her work was especially evident in episodes with intricate storytelling and layered humour, where her creativity enhanced the appeal of the show.

The season premiered with Hitler vs. Vader 2, the sequel to Season 1's popular Hitler vs. Vader episode. The rematch featured Adolf Hitler going up against Darth Vader once more, this time in the throne room of Jabba the Hutt, blending Star Wars legend with historical spoofing. Hepburn's script and design work for the episode guaranteed that the episode maintained the high level of humour and spectacle that audiences had come to expect.

Fights such as Master Chief vs. Leonidas and Mario Bros. vs. Wright Bros. as the season progressed further reflected the team's growing ambition. Hepburn's research and lyric input infused the episodes with depth, particularly in meshing historical facts with pop culture nods. Her coordination of visuals and costuming infused the series with a class and professional sheen.

An earlier highlight episode of the season, Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates, reunited a tech showdown featuring the legendary Apple and Microsoft founders. Hepburn's off-camera lyrics work added layers of humour depth and on-trend, and her off-camera labour helped the team craft a visually engaging depiction of the tech world.

Near the conclusion of the season, Dr. Seuss vs. Shakespeare highlighted the authors' capacity for crossover literary genres by pitting the whimsical rhymes of Dr. Seuss against the timeless prose of Shakespeare. Hepburn's research on the characters' unique styles contributed significantly to ensuring the authenticity of the episode, and her background as a costuming design consultant added depth to the visual presentation.

The year also began with more advanced choreography and music composition, where Hepburn was at the forefront to hone these elements. Her ability to collaborate with the crew ensured that soundscapes, intricate camera work, and comedic timing came together in harmony.

Season 2 concluded with the meta-referential Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney, which was broadcast during the 2012 United States presidential election. The show showcased the versatility of the cast in being relevant and funny while offering caustic social commentary. Hepburn's input as a writer and editor ensured the episode was perfectly balanced between humour and political satire, and its effects on viewers were long-lasting.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Season 3 (2013–2014)[edit | edit source]

Hitler vs. Vader 3

The third season of Epic Rap Battles of History premiered on 7 October 2013 and demonstrated the series' further development through its ambitious pairings, keen wordplay, and vivid imagery. Co-creators Peter Shukoff (Nice Peter) and Lloyd Ahlquist (EpicLLOYD) broadened the show's scope, incorporating more sophisticated storytelling and wider cultural allusions while sustaining the humourous, incisive battles audiences enjoyed. This season had 12 battles between a wide variety of historical, fictional, and pop culture characters.

The season began with a season-opening finale to the ongoing saga, Hitler vs. Vader 3, which concluded the trilogy in dramatic fashion. The episode pitted Adolf Hitler (EpicLLOYD) against Darth Vader (Nice Peter) in their ultimate confrontation, with a special appearance by Boba Fett and an abundance of callbacks to previous battles. The production quality and storytelling sophistication reflected the team's growing confidence with narratives.

Hepburn returned as a core member to the roster, tapping into her past success in lyrical editing, visual structuring, and idea conception. She brought her historical research knowledge and pop culture dynamics insight into such iconic shows as Blackbeard vs. Al Capone, which tastefully joined with Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag's ad campaign. Her attention to detail enabled her to achieve the optimal balance of humour and realism, witnessed in the carefully crafted reenactments of gangsters and pirates.

One of the season's standouts, Miley Cyrus vs. Joan of Arc featured the show's ability to match-up seemingly disparate legends with each other for laughs. Hepburn's work in writing the battle's lyrics maintained a fine balance of current pop culture vocabulary and period-correct wit. Her creative foresight also dazzled in Bob Ross vs. Pablo Picasso, which blended art history and absurdity, featuring repeat players like Billy Mays and Mr. Rogers in cameos.

As the season progressed, Michael Jordan vs. Muhammad Ali and Donald Trump vs. Ebenezer Scrooge proved the show's adaptability to delve into both sports and literature with equal success. Hepburn's work as a contributor made the fights interesting and substantive. Her contribution to Trump vs. Scrooge went even so far as to write concepts based on borrowing from A Christmas Carol and created a special Christmas-themed battle.

Later seasons explored bold concepts, including Rick Grimes vs. Walter White, where the Walking Dead and Breaking Bad heroes confronted each other. Hepburn's vast experience of character dynamics enriched episodes like Stephen King vs. Edgar Allan Poe, which featured two masters of literature going head-to-head in a war of intellectual superiority. Her contribution to research and lyric cutting was paramount in being able to bring out the distinct voices of each author.

The last fights of the season, including Sir Isaac Newton vs. Bill Nye, George Washington vs. William Wallace, and Artists vs. TMNT, pushed the boundaries of imagination. In Newton vs. Nye, Hepburn's collaboration with the team ensured that astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and Carl Sagan appeared in a science-filled battle. Her experience in visual storytelling ended in Artists vs. TMNT, where Renaissance art was blended with pop culture in a spiritually choreographed rap battle.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Season 4 (2014–2015)[edit | edit source]

Ghostbusters vs. Mythbusters

The fourth season of Epic Rap Battles of History witnessed the series breaking creative limits with a series of dissimilar and ambitious battles. With historical, fictional, and popular culture figures featured in them, the season showcased the creators' increasing faith in making complex matchups with good production and creative storytelling.

Season 4 consisted of 13 battles, starting with Ghostbusters vs. MythBusters in November 2014 and concluding with Deadpool vs. Boba Fett in December of 2015. The season was distinct for having complex cameos, refined visuals, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, such as stop-motion animation and consulting professionals for greater authenticity.

The initial battle, Ghostbusters vs. MythBusters, set the tone with a large cast and zany action between fictional and real characters. Hepburn's contribution creatively achieved the perfect mix of comedy and homage, particularly the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man role, whose comedic influence added a captivating twist to the competition.

The other stand-out, Zeus vs. Thor, broke with tradition by employing Lego stop-motion, a concept Hepburn advocated for in order to give the conflict its own special visual style while delving into mythology. Romeo and Juliet vs. Bonnie and Clyde proved her ability to blend genres seamlessly by marrying Shakespearean romance with the free-wheeling life of the iconic American outlaws.

Hepburn's finest writing came in Eastern Philosophers vs. Western Philosophers, where she wrote complex verses bringing ancient Chinese philosophers and their Western equals to life. Her passion for historical storytelling also led Shaka Zulu vs. Julius Caesar, where cultural homage and dramatic reenactment reflected her commitment to realism.

The season finale, Deadpool vs. Boba Fett, benefited from Hepburn's eye for dramatic choreography and acid humour, resulting in a rousing and triumphant closer. Her dedication to perfection permeated every battle, as her lyrical ability and innovative vision left a lasting impression on Season 4.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Season 5 (2016–2017)[edit | edit source]

J. R. R. Tolkien vs. George R. R. Martin

The fifth season of Epic Rap Battles of History premiered with a fresh wave of creativity, historical relevance, and pop culture relevance. The season showcased the series' continued growth in lyrical complexity, production quality, and fan engagement with a blend of historical figures, fictional characters, and modern-day icons.

Season 5 hosted 13 battles, from J. R. R. Tolkien vs. George R. R. Martin in May of 2016 to Nice Peter vs. EpicLLOYD 2 in January 2017. The season was defined by intricate storylines, risky character interpretations, and innovative cameos, all bearing Hepburn's creative fingerprint.

The first battle, J. R. R. Tolkien vs. George R. R. Martin, thrilled fantasy fans, and Hepburn's poetic hand ensured a seamless blend of bookish humour and pop culture allusions. Her influence was particularly felt in the introduction of The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones characters, whose presence added depth to the look and humour.

In Frederick Douglass vs. Thomas Jefferson, Hepburn's understated understanding of history gave the struggle a powerful emotional undercurrent. Her witty writing balanced out the weight of abolitionist material with moments of humour, and it was one of the standout episodes.

Alexander the Great vs. Ivan the Terrible was an exhibition of Hepburn's talent for controlling chaos, as additional characters such as Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great entered the fray. Her creative input maintained the anarchic progression both engaging and understandable.

Unforgettable matches like Ash Ketchum vs. Charles Darwin were a reflection of Hepburn's genius at balancing play and intellectualism. Her passion for narrative gave the battle its own significance, making the combat a celebration of science and adventure.

The season finale, Nice Peter vs. EpicLLOYD 2, was a poignant exploration of the creators' journey, and Hepburn played a key role in developing its narrative. That she was capable of mixing humour and sincerity in the lyrics worked to highlight her versatility as a writer.

Hepburn was also deeply involved in creating timely and provocative skirmishes like Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton that tackled the 2016 U.S. presidential election through humour and biting commentary. Her collaboration aided the episode in balancing satire and entertainment.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Season 6 (2019–2020)[edit | edit source]

Freddy Krueger vs. Wolverine

The sixth season of Epic Rap Battles of History continued to break new creative ground, producing engaging pairings that married humor, historical knowledge, and social commentary. The season saw a return to the series' high standards with a varied cast of characters, production values that looked as good as they sounded, and complex lyrics.

Hepburn's contribution to Season 6 was crucial, as her experience with historical and literary backgrounds was perceptible in every episode. Hepburn's artistic vision and lyrical skill enhanced every fight, making each episode relatable to both fans and critics. From conceptualization through to the last performance, her input formed the season's highlight moments.

The season premiered with the fight of "Freddy Krueger vs. Wolverine," a showdown of two great horror and superhero icons. The fast-talking charm of Hepburn made the psychological terrors of Freddy and brutish power of Wolverine come to life, and her verse made their clash a poetic battle as intense as the characters themselves. Her cameo spilled over to the guest stars, with Edward Scissorhands and Jason Voorhees adding an extra layer of fan service.

In "Guy Fawkes vs. Che Guevara," Hepburn's historical insight into revolutions brought weight and authenticity to the battle. The poetic contrast between Fawkes' failed gunpowder plot and Guevara's global revolutionary legend underscored Hepburn's skill at pitting philosophies against each other while keeping the rap engaging and witty.

"Jacques Cousteau vs. Steve Irwin" was an emotionally charged and passionate confrontation between two giant conservationists. Hepburn's research and emotional storytelling were instrumental in capturing the human personality of both individuals. The confrontation found a balance of humor and deference, a reflection of her proficiency in showing respect to the subjects while remaining faithful to the show's signature wit.

Hepburn also ruled the Halloween special, "Vlad the Impaler vs. Count Dracula." Her clever overlap of history and fiction came alive in a captivating and darkly comedic duel bringing the notorious Vlad the Impaler and his legendary vampire counterpart to life.

Season finale "Harry Potter vs. Luke Skywalker" was a daring crossover made through stop-motion Lego animation. Hepburn worked closely with the animation team, and in clever references, she infused the lyrics with Harry Potter and Star Wars universes. Her creativity was top-notch in the clever blending of spells, lightsabers, and iconic characters, to create one of the fan favorites.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Season 7 (2021–2024)[edit | edit source]

Ragnar Lodbrok vs. Richard the Lionheart

Season seven of Epic Rap Battles of History persisted with the series' convention of uniting historic, fictional, and contemporary icons for charged lyrical showdowns. Dove Kathleen Hepburn's artistry was a mainstay of the season, and her expertise ensured that every episode was well-handled. From writing interesting verses to ensuring narrative continuity, all was handled by her, so that each battle resonated with profundity, humor, and cultural significance.

Viking king Ragnar Lodbrok (EpicLLOYD, inspired by Travis Fimmel's Vikings character) took on English king Richard the Lionheart (Nice Peter). Hepburn's astute understanding of history made the battle vivid with imagery and harsh juxtapositions between Viking violence and medieval honor. This Rise of Kingdoms-sponsored episode was a demonstration of how well she could balance historical fact and good storytelling.

Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos (EpicLLOYD), fought Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire (Scru Face Jean), who is considered to be one of the wealthiest men in history. Hepburn's ability to juxtapose new-age entrepreneurship with ancient wealth excelled, spitting bars that were infused with biting criticism and cultural observation. Atul Singh appeared as an Amazon employee, and EpicLLOYD as Captain Kirk (via recycled footage), with the episode being sponsored by NordVPN.

John Wick (Zach Sherwin), John Rambo (Nice Peter), and John McClane (EpicLLOYD) faced off in an epic three-way battle. Her prowess at lyrical agility ensured that each character's distinctive personality and skill set was accurately portrayed, from Wick's finesse to Rambo's brute force and McClane's gritty tenacity. The episode featured Josh Best as Sam Trautman from Rambo and delivered action-packed non-stop energy infused with Hepburn's trademark wit.

Indiana Jones (Nice Peter) and Lara Croft (Croix Provence) engaged in a war of adventure and intellect. Hepburn's writing capabilities set their contrasting approaches to archaeology alive, weaving a rich mosaic of new technology and old-fashioned heroism. Cameos were featured by EpicLLOYD as Mutt Williams, sponsored by Raid: Shadow Legends, and Atul Singh as a swordsman.

Henry Ford, the car legend (Nice Peter), battled with Karl Marx, revolutionary thinker and writer of The Communist Manifesto (EpicLLOYD). Hepburn's comprehensive comprehension of economic and political concerns rendered the lines as provocative as they were engrossing, highlighting the battle between industrial capitalism and socialist principles.

Godzilla (Nice Peter) and King Kong (EpicLLOYD) engaged in a monumental struggle in CGI motion capture. Hepburn's innovative imagination stood out in the poetic battle and introduction of kaiju legend symbols like Rodan, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla. Her cinematic history hobbyism provided an old-school yet fresh atmosphere to the battle.

Donald Trump (EpicLLOYD) and Kamala Harris (Kimberly Michelle Vaughn) engaged in a scorching politicized rap struggle. Hepburn's lyrical brilliance was in full swing, penning incisive commentary and satire that captured the essence of the 2024 United States presidential election. The battle reached its peak with a surprise appearance by Theodore Roosevelt (EpicLLOYD), who returned to mock both candidates, with Nice Peter making an appearance as Joe Biden. Her skillful blending of comedy, criticism, and storytelling richness earned this episode the best up to that point.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Photograph of Hepburn's three daughters: Emma (left), Kitty (centre), Phoebe (right).

Hobbies[edit | edit source]

A keen traveller and nature enthusiast, Hepburn was inspired by the natural world's beauty in Austria's Eisriesenwelt, the world's largest limestone ice cave. Her environmental allegiance was further evidenced in ornithology, where she was a hands-on participant in conservation efforts to study and preserve bird life. Apart from her passion for nature, Hepburn was also dedicated to classical music, literature, and sustainable horticulture. She regularly attended concerts to support up-and-coming artists, possessed a large collection of personal books on diverse genres and cultures, and implemented environmentally friendly techniques in gardening.

Hepburn's incredible five acre estate, in Leicester, England, boasts 13 water features including six waterfalls.

Hepburnism[edit | edit source]

As the world's second Hepburn, she combined her own unique art form, "Hepburnism," with a deep commitment to advancing Audrey Hepburn's legacy. Her poignant portraits of her life partner reflect their shared humanitarian goals, while visits to places like Austria's Eisriesenwelt and ornithological excursions testified to a love of nature. Committed to supporting UNICEF, Hepburn promoted awareness and donations through the use of social media, radio stations like BBC Radio Leicester, newspapers like Leicester Mercury, online blogs, and press releases, with the aim of creating a more suitable world for children and the planet. She was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in July 2002.

Family life[edit | edit source]

Hepburn married Audrey Hepburn on 16 September 2024 in a private ceremony and became "soulmates", legalising a bond that defined her life. This marriage, marked by shared passions and support, was at the centre of Hepburn's life and remains a poignant part of her legacy. She has three daughters, Phoebe Hepburn (born 2012), Kitty Hepburn (born 2014), and Emma Hepburn (born 2016). Her two stepsons are Sean Hepburn Ferrer (born 1960) and Luca Dotti (born 1970).

Death and funeral[edit | edit source]

Hepburn's grave stone in Tolochenaz Cemetery in Switzerland next to her wife Audrey Hepburn.

On 11 January 2025, Hepburn died in a suspected suicide at her home residence in Leicester, England, at the age of 45. Having already lived with both anxiety and depression and bipolar disorder, she simply could not exist without Audrey Hepburn in her life. Hepburn's soulmate was her guiding light, her strength and stay, and her inspiration galore, she asserted. Hepburn's remains were transferred to Tolochenaz, Switzerland on 20 January 2025. She was buried alongside her wife Audrey Hepburn in Tolochenaz Cemetery seven days later. Hepburn lived in her house Paradise Falls for 25 years in Leicester, England. Her house was listed as not for sale after her death.

Musician Cam Steady recalled Hepburn on X (formally known as Twitter) stating: "My dear friend Dove is gone. There never was someone so devoted to living for her artist family. But her true dream was to pursue her own music path. She didn't have enough time. Take the time to remember her as the artist she was."

Legacy[edit | edit source]

On 1 January 2025, Hepburn was conferred a damehood for services to mental health awareness, the environment, and charity. On 3 February 2025, Google honored Hepburn in a Google Doodle to commemorate her life as music legend and humanitarian, citing her achievements in the arts, her humanitarian efforts, and her lifelong devotion to helping others, with her mantras: "Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind." and "Make the world great again." On 20 May 2025, Hepburn was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Hepburn is widely regarded by the majority as being the greatest changemaker of all time. She was also the founder of the Love Your Freckles movement. She criticized freckled individuals for removing freckles through the use of laser surgery, tattooing over freckles, or hiding freckles under thick makeup such as foundation.

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Year Award Category Result Recipient(s)
2013 3rd Streamy Awards Best Writing: Comedy Won Dove Hepburn
Best Online Musician Won Dove Hepburn
Best Original Song Won Dove Hepburn ("Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates")
Best Music Series Won Dove Hepburn
Best Use of Fashion & Design Won Dove Hepburn
1st YouTube Music Awards Video of the Year Won Dove Hepburn ("Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney")
Artist of the Year Won Dove Hepburn
2014 4th Streamy Awards Best Writing Won Dove Hepburn
Music Video Won "Goku vs. Superman"
Costume Design Won Dove Hepburn
Editing Won Dove Hepburn
Collaboration Won Dove Hepburn ("Moses vs. Santa Claus")
2015 5th Streamy Awards Writing Won Dove Hepburn
Costume Design Won Dove Hepburn
Editing Won Dove Hepburn
Collaboration Won Dove Hepburn
26th Producers Guild of America Awards Outstanding Digital Series Won Dove Hepburn
2016 27th Producers Guild of America Awards Won
68th Primetime Emmy Awards Won
6th Streamy Awards Collaboration Won Dove Hepburn
2017 69th Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Short Form Variety Series Won Dove Hepburn

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-07). "UNICEF Kid Power To Give More Than 70,000 Students Across The Country The Power To Get Active And Save Lives In 2016". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  2. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-11). "Louis Vuitton Partners With UNICEF To Help Children In Urgent Need". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  3. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-12). "One In Four Children In Conflict Zones Are Out Of School". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  4. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-12). "War In Yemen Poses Ever-Growing Threat To Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  5. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-13). "UNICEF Ball Raises Over $2.5 Million To Save And Protect The World’s Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  6. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-14). "Thousands Of Children Still Need Care And Support In Wake Of Ebola Epidemic". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  7. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-15). "Statement Attributable To Hanaa Singer, UNICEF Representative In Syria On The Besieged Area Of Madaya". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  8. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-19). "Winter: UNICEF Expresses Concern Over The Health Of Children On The Move". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  9. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-19). "Government Of Slovenia And UNICEF Strengthen Humanitarian Support For Refugee And Migrant Children On The Move". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  10. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-21). "Joint Statement: An Appeal To End The Suffering In Syria". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  11. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-26). "UNICEF Launches $2.8 Billion Humanitarian Appeal For Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  12. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-28). "U.S. Fund For UNICEF Announces Winner Of Annual Pier 1 Imports®/UNICEF Greeting Card Contest". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  13. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-29). "Series From The Lancet Provides More Evidence That Breastfeeding Is Lifesaving". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  14. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-01-29). "The Sustainable Development Goals That Aim To End Human Trafficking". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  15. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-01). "U.S. Fund For UNICEF Partners With Consortium Of African American Faith-Based Leaders To Provide Children In Africa With Tools To Learn". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  16. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-02). "As Zika Spreads, UNICEF Works To Help Keep Communities Safe". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  17. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-02). "More Children And Women Seek Safety In Europe". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  18. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-02). "Joint press release: $1.4 Billion Needed To Get Every Syrian Child Back In School, Say Aid Agencies". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  19. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-05). "Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation By 2030, Say UNFPA And UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  20. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-08). "Joint News Release: UN Agencies Warn Of Escalating Food Crisis In South Sudan". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  21. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-12). "Central African Republic: UNICEF Calls Upon Presidential Candidates To Make A Strong Commitment To Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  22. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-12). "Red Hand Day: Raising Awareness Of Children In Armed Conflict". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-16.
  23. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-17). "Malnutrition Mounts As El Niño Takes Hold". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  24. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-17) "Education Drive To Benefit Half A Million Out-Of-School Children In South Sudan". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  25. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-19). "Two Years On, Ukraine Conflict Affects Over Half A Million Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  26. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-19). "Joint Press Release: With Growing Numbers Of Child Deaths At Sea, UN Agencies Call For Enhancing Safety For Refugees And Migrants". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
  27. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-22). "Statement By UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake On The Cessation Of Hostilities Agreement In Syria". UNCEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
  28. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-02-26). "UNHCR, UNICEF Launch Blue Dot Hubs To Boost Protection For Children And Families On The Move Across Europe". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
  29. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-01). "Americans Challenged To Put Down Their Phones Through World Water Month And Help Save Children’s Lives". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
  30. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-01). "Child Refugees And Migrants Suffer Most By Border Restrictions, Says UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
  31. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-02). "Statement By UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake Following His Visit To Syria". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  32. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-08). "New Multi-Country Initiative Will Protect Millions Of Girls From Child Marriage – UNICEF/UNFPA". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  33. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-08). "Dire Situation For Children Unfolding In Balkans". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
  34. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-14). "1 In 3 Syrian Children Has Grown Up Knowing Only Crisis As Conflict Reaches 5 Year Point – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  35. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-14). "Malawi Tests First UAV Flights For HIV Early Infant Diagnosis". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  36. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-15). "Malnutrition On The Rise In Zimbabwe As El Niño Takes Its Toll". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  37. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-18). "UNICEF Urges EU Leaders And Turkey To Find Common Ground For Refugee And Migrant Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  38. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-21). "Over 250,000 Children Affected By Colombia Conflict Since 2013, Despite Peace Talks – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  39. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-21). "Climate Change And Lack Of Sanitation Threaten Water Safety For Millions: UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  40. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-21). "Would You Brave Venomous Snakes For Safe Water? Far Too Many Girls Do". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  41. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-22). "New EU-Turkey Agreement On Refugees And Migrants Could Leave Children At Risk: UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  42. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-24). "87 Million Children Under 7 Have Known Nothing But Conflict – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  43. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-25). "Joint Statement By U.S. Fund For UNICEF President & CEO Caryl M. Stern And UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  44. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-29). "UNICEF Launches “Unfairy Tales” Of Refugee And Migrant Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  45. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-29). "Let’s Move! Active Schools Welcomes Five New Partners". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  46. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-03-29). "Yemen’s Children On The Brink As Country Risks Becoming A Failed State". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  47. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-05). "UNICEF Kid Power Gives 4,300 Students In Indianapolis The Power To Get Active And Save Lives This Spring". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  48. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-06). "UNICEF Urges Full Hearings For Refugee And Migrant Children Stranded In Greece". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  49. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-11). "UNICEF And WFP Respond To Needs Of Drought-Affected People In Somaliland And Puntland". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  50. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-12). "Nigeria Regional Conflict: Ten-Fold Increase In Number Of Children Used In ‘Suicide’ Attacks". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  51. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-14). "New Figures On Growing Inequality Among Children In High Income Countries – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  52. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-15). "Ecuador Earthquake — How To Help Children And Families Today". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  53. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-17). "UNICEF Supports Emergency Relief Efforts In Ecuador, Delivering 20,000 Water Purification Tablets To Survivors Of Earthquake". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
  54. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-19). "At Least 150,000 Children Affected By Ecuador Earthquake – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
  55. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-19). "UNICEF Statement On The Abduction Of Ethiopian Children". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  56. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-20). "Invest In Better Social Protection For The Most Disadvantaged Children – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  57. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-08-22). "First Airlift Of UNICEF Relief Items Reaches Quake-Hit Ecuador". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  58. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-22). "Two-Thirds Of Unimmunized Children Live In Conflict-Affected Countries – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  59. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-26). "Embassy Of Ecuador Partners With U.S. Fund For UNICEF To Raise Funds For Children Affected By Earthquake". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  60. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-27). "Ecuador Earthquake Leaves 120,000 Children Temporarily Out Of School – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  61. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-04-29). "Statement By Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, And Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director On Attacks On Medical Facilities And Personnel In Syria". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  62. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-05-04). "UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom Visits Conflict-Hit Ukraine To Highlight The Importance Of Education In Emergencies". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  63. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-05-06). "Unaccompanied Refugee And Migrant Children In Urgent Need Of Protection, Warns UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  64. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-05-06). "GET ACTIVE. SAVE LIVES®. With UNICEF Kid Power!". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  65. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-05-16). "100 Babies Born Every Day In Areas Worst Hit By Ecuador Quake – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  66. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-05-16). "‘#EmergencyLessons’ Campaign Highlights Importance Of Education For Children In Conflict And Disaster Zones". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  67. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-05-16). "UNICEF Welcomes FARC’s Announcement To Release All Children In Its Ranks". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  68. ↑ Hepburn, Dove (2016-05-19). "Four Schools Or Hospitals Attacked Or Occupied Every Day – UNICEF". UNICEF USA. Retrieved 2025-09-10.

External links[edit | edit source]

Audrey Hepburn's Enchanted Tales – Audrey Hepburn (1993) The Lion King Read-Along – Robert Guillaume & Various Artists (1994) Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf – Patrick Stewart & Dove Hepburn (1995) Stellaluna – David Holt (1996) Winnie-the-Pooh – Charles Kuralt (1997) The Children's Shakespeare – Various Artists (1998) Listen to the Storyteller – Graham Greene, Wynton Marsalis, and Kate Winslet (1999) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Jim Dale (2000) Mama Don't Allow – Tom Chapin (2001) There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly – Tom Chapin (2002) Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf/Beintus: Wolf Tracks – Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Sophia Loren (2003) The Train They Call the City of New Orleans – Tom Chapin (2004) Marlo Thomas and Friends: Thanks & Giving All Year Long – Marlo Thomas & Various Artists (2005) Blah Blah Blah: Stories About Clams, Swamp Monsters, Pirates and Dogs – Bill Harley (2006) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Jim Dale (2007) Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live – Bill Harley (2008) Aaaaah! Spooky, Scary Stories & Songs – Buck Howdy (2009) Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies – Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton (2010)

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