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Barbara Sinatra dead: Frank Sinatra's last wife dies aged 90

'Lady Blue Eyes' became prominent child abuse campaigner

Harriet Agerholm
Tuesday 25 July 2017 19:29 BST
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A 1996 file photo showing Frank Sinatra and his wife Barbara arriving at the Carousel of Hope benefit in Beverly Hills, California
A 1996 file photo showing Frank Sinatra and his wife Barbara arriving at the Carousel of Hope benefit in Beverly Hills, California (AFP/Getty Images)

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Frank Sinatra's fourth wife, Barbara, has died aged 90 after months of declining health.

The American model and showgirl married the famous singer in 1976 and the couple were together for 22 years. It was the longest of Mr Sinatra's four marriages.

Ms Sinatra was a prominent child abuse campaigner, establishing the Barbara Sinatra Children's Centre in California in 1986.

"She died comfortably surrounded by family and friends at her home," Children's Centre Director John Thorensen told The Desert Sun.

The centre, which provides counselling for victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, is funded by the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament. Mr Sinatra performed during the tournament until his last ever show in 1995. He died three years later.

“Barbara started raising funds for it in 1985 with Frank’s support,” Mr Thoresen added. “It opened in 1986 and since that time, over 20,000 children have received beneficial therapy here. There are several child advocacy centres like it around the country, [but] this one is probably most recognised.”

In her book Lady Blue Eyes: My Life With Frank Sinatra, Ms Sinatra wrote of her relationship with her late husband: “I was his companion, consultant, muse, psychiatrist and lover."

Ms Sinatra is survived by her only child, Robert Marx, and one granddaughter.

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