Jenny Wallenda, matriarch of internationally famous circus family, dies at 87 after illness

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 1964 file photo, Jenny Wallenda, a member of the famous Wallenda high wire act, applies makeup in a dressing room prior to appearing at opening of the Shrine Circus in Detroit. Wallenda, the matriarch of the famous family of high-flying circus performers, died late Saturday, April 4, 2015, at her home in Sarasota, Fla., according to family members. She was 87. (AP Photo/Alvan Quinn, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 1964 file photo, Karl Wallenda, center left, and his daughter Jenny, center right, wait on sideline with troupe members Louis Murillo, left, and Andy Anderson, before performing a high wire act at the opening of the Shrine Circus in Detroit. Jenny Wallenda, the matriarch of the famous family of high-flying circus performers, died late Saturday, April 4, 2015, at her home in Sarasota, Fla., according to family members. She was 87. (AP Photo/Alvan Quinn, File) (The Associated Press)