This collection was her life.
Debbie was like, Im done.
Ive tried for years to convince Hollywood to build a museum and nobody would step up.
Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
I cant keep fighting this battle.'
In 2011 and 2014, Reynolds and Maddalenasold off most of her massive collection.
(The collection would ultimately fetch in excess of $30 million).
I think there was relief and sorrow, Maddalena recalled.
She did not want to sell this stuff, it was really hard for her.
These were like her children, it was not an easy decision to make.
This is was her identity.
She toldTHRin 2014that she approached the Academy five times about collaborating.
I said, hey, lets do this together.
It was refused each time, said Reynolds.
I did it all when nobody else would.
Reynolds didnt let go of everything.
She displayed both items on her living room mantle.
I think everybody took it for granted it would stay forever and we were stunned when they had it.
People paid no money for everything.
All their beautiful costumes sold for $50 and [were] just given away as Halloween costumes.
I bought chairs and chandeliers and wonderful things that I collected for 20 years.
I saved all the stuff.
But, they didnt do that.
They didnt really feel it was very important.
