Madelaine Hemingway (nicknamed "Sunny") was the fourth of six children born to Clarence and Grace Hemingway. She has long been considered Ernest Hemingway's favorite sister. In 1975, she fondly recounted growing up with her famous brother in her book, Ernie: Hemingway's Sister "Sunny" Remembers.
During her life, Madelaine Hemingway was employed as a nurse's aide, dental technician, and typist for brother Ernest. She was also a talented harp player who performed with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Madelaine Hemingway married Kenneth Mainland on January 29, 1938 and they had one child together: Ernest. She later married Ernest J. Miller.