Barbara Sinatra

Barbara Sinatra was an American model and philanthropist, best known as the fourth and final wife of legendary entertainer Frank Sinatra. Her lasting legacy is defined by her extensive charitable work, most notably co-founding the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center in Rancho Mirage, California, which provides therapy for young victims of abuse. A prominent figure in Palm Springs society for decades, she was a dedicated advocate for children's welfare and a fixture on the International Best Dressed List.

Early life and family

Barbara Ann Blakeley was born in Bosworth, Missouri, and later moved with her family to Wichita, Kansas. She pursued a career as a model and showgirl, which led her to performances in Las Vegas and at the renowned Thunderbird Hotel. Her first marriage was to Robert Oliver, a United States Air Force officer, with whom she had a son, Robert Oliver Jr.; the couple divorced in 1959. She subsequently married comedian and former Marx Brothers member Zeppo Marx in 1959, a union that brought her into the orbit of the Hollywood elite and the social scene of Palm Springs.

Marriage to Frank Sinatra

Following her divorce from Marx in 1973, her relationship with Frank Sinatra deepened, and they married in 1976 at the Sunrise Chapel in Palm Springs. The wedding was a significant society event, with notable guests like Walter Annenberg in attendance. As Sinatra's wife, she became a central figure in his inner circle, often hosting at their compound in Rancho Mirage, known as the "Compound," and accompanying him on global tours and to events like the inauguration of Ronald Reagan. Their marriage, which lasted until his death in 1998, was considered his most stable and enduring.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Her philanthropic focus solidified in the 1980s, leading to the 1986 co-founding of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center adjacent to the Eisenhower Medical Center. The center, championed by friends like Walter Annenberg and Gerald Ford, became a national model for treating abused children. She served as its tireless chairperson, overseeing its growth and testifying before the United States Congress on child abuse issues. Her advocacy extended to serving on the board of the Eisenhower Medical Center and supporting other causes, including the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational golf tournament which benefited numerous charities.

Later years and death

After the death of Frank Sinatra in 1998, she remained active in managing his legacy and her charitable foundation from her home in Rancho Mirage. She authored the memoir "Lady Blue Eyes: My Life with Frank" in 2011, providing an intimate portrait of their life together. In her final years, she continued to be a prominent supporter of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center. She died of natural causes at her home on July 25, 2017, at the age of 90, and was interred next to Frank Sinatra at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.

Legacy and honors

Her primary legacy is the enduring work of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, which has served tens of thousands of children. For her humanitarian efforts, she received honors including the Lombardi Award of Excellence and recognition from the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse. A dedicated wing of the Eisenhower Medical Center bears her name. Remembered as a steadfast partner to Frank Sinatra and a compassionate advocate, her life is commemorated in the social history of Palm Springs and in the ongoing mission of the institution she founded.

Category:American philanthropists Category:1926 births Category:2017 deaths