Nancy Sinatra Snr, childhood sweetheart and first wife of American music legend Frank Sinatra, has passed away. She was 101 years old.
Frank Sinatra's First Wife Passes Away
The news was confirmed on Friday, July 13, by their daughter Nancy Sinatra who assured fans that her mother died peacefully. No cause of death has been revealed to the press as of this writing.
My mother passed away peacefully tonight at the age of 101. She was a blessing and the light of my life. Godspeed, Momma. Thank you for everything. — Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) July 14, 2018
She also shared a special tribute to her mother, which she posted on the homepage of the family's website. "She's Funny That Way," a song he recorded in 1944, plays on the background.
"Godspeed, Momma and thank you for everything you did for us and for the world," Frank's firstborn wrote.
In another post on Twitter, Nancy also thanked fans who reached out to offer their condolences. They asked everyone to donate to the Amanda Foundation or St. Jude in lieu of flowers.
My sister and I thank you all for your very thoughtful messages of condolence. Our mother was a fighter until the end when her brave, loving heart gave out. She is survived by her sister, her daughters, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She made a difference. pic.twitter.com/oaYS2vHHDm — Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) July 14, 2018
We've received questions about where to send flowers and we are so grateful for that but in lieu of flowers please consider donating in her name to the Amanda Foundation or Saint Jude. Mom would love that. Thank you all so much.https://t.co/YBC2iUNfcChttps://t.co/0HCDzHwp33 — Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) July 14, 2018
Who Is Nancy Sinatra Snr
Nancy Barbato is the first of Frank's four wives. The two met and started dating when they were just teenagers back in their hometown of New Jersey.
They married five years later and had three children, namely Nancy, Tina, and Frank Jr.
In 1951, Nancy and Frank divorced after his infidelity had gone public. He later married actress Ava Gardner, then Mia Farrow, and finally, Barbara Marx in the next couple of decades.
On the other hand, Nancy chose to care for her children and never remarried, AOL reported. Despite the infidelity and eventual separation, Nancy and Frank managed to retain a friendly relationship.
In an article published in the 60s, journalist Gay Talese wrote about the enduring "respect and affection" between the former lovers.
"There is no bitterness, only great respect and affection between Sinatra and his first wife," said the writer via The Guardian. "And he has long been welcome in her home and has even been known to wander in at odd hours, stoke the fire, lie on the sofa, and fall asleep."
