CLEAR LAKE -- Peggy Sue Gerron said her flight into the Mason City Municipal Airport Tuesday was an eerie experience.

Gerron, whose name was made famous in the Buddy Holly recording "Peggy Sue," was coming to the Surf Ballroom to sign copies of her new book, "Whatever Happened to Peggy Sue?" during the Fifties in February celebration.

Her friend Buddy Holly, along with Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson were killed when their plane crashed just moments after take-off from the Mason City airport on Feb. 3, 1959, following a performance at the Surf.

"It was so cold last night. The plane was dark. I just sat there and reflected. It was really a moment," Gerron said.

Gerron will be in Waterloo today, staying at the Isle Casino & Hotel at Waterloo, and attending the Johnny Rogers concert at 7:30 p.m. at Electric Park Ballroom, according to her publicist.

Gerron's book is drawn from diaries she kept during the late 1950s when she was married to Jerry Allison of The Crickets, who performed with Holly.

When asked why she waited until now to write the book, Gerron said, "The song 'Peggy Sue' is 50 years old. I felt that it was time to write my story from my perspective."

Gerron, 67, said the book is really two love stories.

One is her relationship with Allison, and the other is her friendship with Holly.

Gerron denied speculation that Holly urged her to get a divorce from Allison so they could marry.

"He was trying to make sure that my life turned out well," she said about Holly's suggestion. "He knew that it wasn't going to turn out well."

Holly, his wife, Maria Elena, and Jerry and Peggy Sue honeymooned together in the summer of 1958.

"On the honeymoon our relationship was tense," Gerron said.

Maria Elena Holly attempted to halt publication of Gerron's book.

Holly owns the rights to her late husband's name, image and related trademarks and other intellectual properties.

Gerron said she has the right under the First Amendment to tell her story.

"At some point in your life you have to be you," she said.

"I wanted them to be able to feel what I felt. I hope I have accomplished that."