Kathryn Crosby, widow of legendary entertainer Bing Crosby and former actress, passed away on September 20, 2024, at her home in Hillsborough, California. She was 90 years old. The news was confirmed by her publicist, B. Harlan Boll, without specifying the cause of death.
Born Olive Kathryn Grandstaff on November 25, 1933, in Houston, Texas, Kathryn's journey from beauty pageant contestant to Hollywood actress and eventually to Mrs. Bing Crosby was a remarkable one. Her early years were marked by success in various Texas beauty contests, earning titles such as "Golden Girl of the Texas Baseball League" and "Queen of the Houston Rodeo and Fat Stock Exposition."
Kathryn's path crossed with Bing Crosby in 1953 on the Paramount studio lot. At the time, she was a 20-year-old aspiring actress, while Crosby, at 50, was already a well-established star. Their meeting sparked a complex four-year courtship, culminating in their elopement to Las Vegas in 1957.
Bing Crosby was not just a singer and actor; he was a multimedia pioneer. As the best-selling recording artist of the 20th century until surpassed by Elvis Presley, Crosby's influence extended across recording, radio, film, and television. His recording of "White Christmas" remains the best-selling single of all time, a testament to his enduring popularity.
Kathryn's own acting career, though brief, included notable roles in films such as "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" (1958) and "Anatomy of a Murder" (1959). However, after marrying Crosby, she largely stepped away from the spotlight to focus on family life.
The couple settled in Hillsborough, a suburb of San Francisco, in the early 1960s. They had three children together, and Kathryn embraced her role as wife and mother while also pursuing personal interests. She completed a nursing degree, taught in public schools, and even hosted a morning TV talk show in San Francisco.
"I want you to understand that my position in this world rests on being Mrs. Bing Crosby."
Bing Crosby's sudden death in October 1977, following a heart attack after a round of golf in Spain, marked a significant turning point in Kathryn's life. In the years that followed, she became the chief protector of his legacy, particularly in the face of controversies sparked by tell-all memoirs from Bing's eldest son, Gary.
Kathryn's efforts to preserve Bing Crosby's image included writing her own memoirs and managing his estate. She also continued to honor his memory through her involvement in charitable activities, such as reorganizing the annual Crosby golf tournament to focus on its original charitable mission.
Throughout her life, Kathryn Crosby demonstrated resilience and adaptability. From her early days as a Texas beauty queen to her time in Hollywood, and through her years as Bing Crosby's wife and widow, she navigated the complexities of fame and family with grace.
As we remember Kathryn Crosby, we also recall the golden age of entertainment she was part of. Bing Crosby's contributions to music and film, including his Academy Award-winning performance in "Going My Way" (1944) and his pioneering work in audio recording technology, remain significant parts of entertainment history.
Kathryn Crosby is survived by her children, Mary Frances, Harry, and Nathaniel. Her passing marks the end of an era, closing a chapter on one of Hollywood's most iconic couples.