History of Kay Adams-Corleone in Timeline

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Kay Adams-Corleone

Kay Adams-Corleone is a fictional character created by Mario Puzo in "The Godfather" and portrayed by Diane Keaton in the film trilogy. She begins as Michael Corleone's naive, all-American girlfriend and eventually becomes his wife. Over time, she witnesses and becomes increasingly disturbed by Michael's involvement in the Corleone family's criminal activities. Her arc involves a gradual disillusionment with Michael and the Mafia lifestyle, culminating in a poignant separation as she grapples with the moral consequences of their choices and strives to protect her children from the family's violent legacy.

1945: Meeting Michael

In 1945, Kay meets and falls in love with Michael, a student at Dartmouth College. She is portrayed as an outsider to the Corleone family's world.

1945: Introduction to the Corleone Family

In 1945, at Connie's wedding, Michael introduces Kay to his family, including his father Vito Corleone. Kay is surprised by Michael's connection to Johnny Fontane and learns about the family's Mafia ties.

1958: Life at Lake Tahoe and Pregnancy

In 1958, Kay lives with Michael at Lake Tahoe and is pregnant. She urges Michael to legitimize the family business. An assassination attempt occurs at their home, and later, Kay suffers a miscarriage.

1969: Character Origin

In 1969, Katherine "Kay" Corleone (née Adams) originated as a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel, The Godfather.

The Godfather: 50th Anniversary Edition
The Godfather: 50th Anniversary Edition

1971: Time apart

Michael and Kay have not seen each other since 1971 prior to their reunion in 1979.

1979: Divorce and Reunion

In 1979, Michael and Kay are divorced, and she is remarried. They have an uneasy reunion where Kay confronts Michael about Fredo's murder and supports Anthony's decision to become an opera singer.

2004: Appearance in The Godfather Returns

In 2004, Kay appears as a supporting character in Mark Winegardner's sequel to Puzo's novel, The Godfather Returns.

The Godfather Returns: A Novel
The Godfather Returns: A Novel

2006: Appearance in The Godfather's Revenge

In 2006, Kay appears as a supporting character in The Godfather's Revenge, Mark Winegardner's sequel to The Godfather.

The Godfather's Revenge (The Godfather Returns Book 2)
The Godfather's Revenge (The Godfather Returns Book 2)