A timeline of Barbara Carlson's public life

1965: A real estate agent, she marries up-and-coming politician Arne Carlson, who shortly thereafter is elected to the Minneapolis City Council.

1977: She and Carlson divorce.

1981: Gives up real estate, is elected to the City Council. While trying to quit smoking, she sometimes sucks a pacifier during meetings.

1983: Marries businessman Pete Anderson.

1984: Has a high-profile falling out with the Republican Party over her liberal-leaning social stances.

1985 Minneapolis City Council member Sharon Sayles Belton, left, addresses a special meeting Wednesday to discuss a resolution providing for divestment of funds by the City of Minneapolis in the Republic of So. Africa. Listening at right is council member Barbara Carlson. Following testimony the council voted to delay consideration until its next meeting. Sayles Belton is the sponsor of the bill.

1989: Finishes her second council term, loses re-election race in the general election to Pat Scott.

1990: Is hired by KSTP radio to host a talk show that she sometimes conducts from a hot tub.

1997: Publishes a tabloid-esque tell-all book, "This Broad's Life." Unsuccessfully runs for mayor against incumbent Sharon Sayles Belton.

2002: She and Anderson divorce. Leaves KSTP. Breaks her back in a fall, the first of a string of health issues that force her to retire.