Both Edies have passed away. There was a musical made honoring them on Broadway. Jerry is a cab driver in NYC. Now a movie is being made with Drew Barrymore as Little Edie. Big Edie is being played by Jessica Lange.
Yes, maybe Little Edie had a mental illness, but she was beautiful and gracious, nevertheless. I think she was stifled, beaten down by both her parents, unable to achieve her dreams, but she gave it all in the two films, making herself a cult star.
Patty