Ruth Dunn is best known as the wife of Nicholas Daniloff, an American journalist who made headlines during the Cold War after being arrested by the Soviet Union in 1986 on accusations of espionage.
While much of the public’s attention was focused on Daniloff during this high-stakes diplomatic incident, Ruth Dunn played a vital role behind the scenes. She stood by her husband during the tense political negotiations that ultimately led to his release.
Here’s what we know about her:
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Marriage and Family
Ruth Dunn married Nicholas Daniloff in 1961. Their marriage lasted for over six decades until Ruth’s death in January 2024. Together, they had two children, including a daughter named Miranda.
Role During the 1986 Incident
In 1986, Nicholas Daniloff, who was serving as the Moscow correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, was detained by the KGB in retaliation for the arrest of a Soviet spy in the United States. The event sent shockwaves across both nations, heightening tensions in an already strained U.S.-Soviet relationship.
During this difficult time, Ruth Dunn remained deeply involved, managing media attention and coordinating efforts to advocate for her husband’s freedom. Her efforts, along with those of Daniloff’s colleagues and the U.S. government, contributed to his eventual release after weeks of intense negotiations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Her death in January 2024, just months before Nicholas Daniloff’s passing in October of the same year, marked the end of a long-standing personal and professional relationship that had weathered international crises and contributed to American journalism.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.