No, Andy's mom did not own Jessie.
A persistent fan theory suggested that Andy's mom, Sarah Davis, was the original owner of Jessie, the energetic cowgirl doll introduced in Toy Story 2. This theory gained traction due to a visual similarity: the red cowboy hat worn by Jessie's original owner, Emily, in a flashback sequence, appeared similar to a hat Andy often wore, which many believed belonged to his mom.
However, a Pixar director and one of the story writers for Toy Story 2 has confirmed that this theory is not true. While he revealed that a full backstory for Jessie exists, he stated it has not yet been disclosed to the public, effectively debunking the popular fan speculation.
The Popular Theory and Its Origins
The theory linking Andy's mom to Jessie stemmed primarily from these observations:
- The Hat: The most significant piece of evidence cited by fans was the distinctive red cowboy hat worn by Emily, Jessie's first owner. This hat closely resembled the one Andy frequently wears, which is depicted as a family item.
- Thematically Fitting: The idea of a parent's beloved toy being passed down or having a connection to their child's toys resonated with the overarching themes of legacy and love for toys within the Toy Story franchise.
- Jessie's Backstory: Jessie's poignant song, "When She Loved Me," details her abandonment by Emily, leading to her fear of being put away. Fans sought to connect this emotional history to other main characters or their families.
The Official Clarification
Despite the logical connections drawn by fans, the creators have officially stated that the theory is false. This clarification means that Emily, Jessie's first owner, is a distinct character with no direct relation to Andy's family. The similarity in the hat design was either a coincidence or a generic design choice, rather than a deliberate plot point indicating a familial connection.
It's important to differentiate between fan theories, which are interpretations or speculative ideas formed by the audience, and canonical information, which is confirmed by the creators of the story. In this case, the creators have provided a definitive answer, establishing that Andy's mom and Jessie do not share a past ownership history.
