#I also don't think it's a coincidence that she's the most southern leaning Stark

[fromtheseventhhell]

Do you think it's true that GRRM said that Sansa wasn't a Stark anymore after Lady's death? I've seen the interview passed around before but I'm not sure if it's an official thing

In regards to the conversation about the dire wolves and the Starks the point was made (I forget by whom) that Lady was dead and Sansa still alive to which I replied that Sansa wasn't really much of a Stark anymore. IIRC (this is a little hazy), at this point GRRM kind of leaned back in his chair, smiled and said something to the effect of "A very astute observation." (source)

I'm assuming this is what you're referring to. To answer the question, I wholeheartedly believe that George said something along these lines. A majority of fandom disregards it for obvious reasons but it definitely makes sense within the story. Now, he obviously isn't saying that Lady's death means Sansa isn't literally a Stark anymore, and that's the perspective I often see people use to refute this idea. She still has her Northern and familial connections and no one is debating that.

The fact is though that the Direwolves are a big aspect of identity for the Starks, on top of being the living embodiment of their sigil. They are soul-bonded, connected through magic, and they're going to be very important in the upcoming books. We have Nymeria and her large pack, Jon (most likely) warging into Ghost before his death, Rickon's direwolf being used to confirm his identity (and it's very likely he's developed his warging), Bran has a very strong connection with Summer and it's helped him develop his abilities, etc. All very tangible, plot-relevant aspects. The direwolves are also connected to each other and aware of their siblings, and Lady's death is acutely noticed by them. Sansa is, literally, disconnected from the other Starks in that aspect. George wouldn't have just put that in the story if it wasn't meant to mean anything. If he wanted Lady alive, he would've found a way to keep her alive. I don't think this means Sansa is destined to die, forever lose her identity as a Stark, or anything else particularly bad because of it. I just think that within the context of the story, her losing her direwolf is of some significance 🤷🏾‍��️