Amy Winehouse's Dad Mitch Clears Up Misconceptions About Her Addictions, Talks New Book (Exclusive)

Mitch Winehouse, the father of the late singer Amy Winehouse, is determined to preserve his daughter's legacy in a more nuanced light through his new book, "Amy Winehouse: In Her Words." In an exclusive interview with ET's Rachel Smith, he shared his desire for people to remember Amy for her multifaceted personality and not just her struggles.

Amy Winehouse, the Grammy-winning artist, would have turned 40 on September 14, 2023. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 27 on July 23, 2011, due to alcohol poisoning. Her untimely death prompted immediate attention on her battle with drug and alcohol addiction.

Mitch Winehouse, however, wants Amy to be celebrated for more than her struggles. He remembers her as a strong individual who had successfully overcome her drug addiction years before her passing. He also sees her as a global superstar who deeply cared about making a positive impact on the world.

He explained, "[Amy] is a lot more than the singer, the person who struggled with addiction, much more than that. Loving, kind, a wonderful family member, and a wonderful friend. That's what we want people to know about Amy."

Mitch acknowledges the reality of Amy's addiction battles but wants people to also recognize her determination to conquer her demons. He noted that she had been drug-free for three years before her passing.

In the aftermath of Amy's death, Mitch had shared that she was not depressed and had spent time with family in good spirits. He believes that knowing she was content and drug-free when she passed brings some solace.

Mitch's new book, "Amy Winehouse: In Her Words," contains previously unreleased journals, handwritten lyrics, and family photographs. Through these journals, he hopes to convey Amy's kind-hearted nature. On her 28th birthday, just months after her passing, the Amy Winehouse Foundation was established. It initiated projects like Amy's Place, a residence for young women recovering from addiction, and music programs worldwide, emphasizing her philanthropic spirit.

Mitch wants fans to recognize that Amy's legacy extends beyond her music and includes her charitable efforts. He stressed how she would sell her clothes to help the homeless and even took in a homeless person off the streets.

Amy's journals reveal her inner struggle with fame and her desire to be acknowledged primarily for her music and songwriting rather than her celebrity status. She expressed her complex relationship with fame and the need to be seen while aspiring to be appreciated as a true musician and lyricist.

Mitch fondly recalls moments when Amy would show kindness even to paparazzi who followed her, offering them tea and sandwiches and playing football with them during summer. These stories paint a richer picture of her character.

Grieving for a beloved daughter is an ongoing process, and Mitch found it especially challenging because Amy's music was omnipresent worldwide. It took him five years before he could bear to listen to one of her songs again. The first year, he would leave restaurants when her music played, but with counseling and therapy, he eventually found the strength to listen once more.