Taryn Delanie Smith Launches Illustrated Book Featuring Her Character Denise

NEW YORK (WABC) — Taryn Delanie Smith, the former Miss New York, has captivated fans with her social media character Denise, a fictional receptionist in heaven. Now, she’s channeling that character’s themes of love, loss, and hope into her debut book, titled ‘Welcome to the Afterlife.’

Smith, who built her audience through Denise’s entertaining videos, reflects on the character’s inception, saying it originated from pondering traditional ghost portrayals. She noted, “There must be somebody running things. And so that’s where Denise was.” Despite her many life changes, including co-hosting a talk show and moving into a historical Hudson Valley home, Smith continues to receive heartfelt messages from people grieving loved ones. These connections inspired her illustrated book, which she describes as “an adult children’s book for grievers.” Smith aims to help readers feel less alone in their struggles with grief, expressing gratitude for the bonds formed through her character.