Frank Sinatra & His Daughter Didn't Talk for a Year – She Revealed His Last Apology before Death

• When Frank Sinatra left his first wife and three children, his youngest daughter was only seven months old.
• Despite being in regular contact, they had a strained relationship, and at one point, they didn't talk for a year.
• But in the days leading to his passing, they spoke, and Sinatra apologized for hurting her.

Frank Sinatra, the iconic American singer, actor, and producer, passed away in 1998 at 82, succumbing to a heart attack. He shared his final moments with his wife and children at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His youngest child recently shared insights into their relationship and poignant conversation before his passing.

Born in December 1915 in New Jersey, Sinatra embarked on his singing career in the 1930s, swiftly becoming one of the most adored entertainers of the 20th century. His velvety voice and captivating charisma endeared him to audiences globally, leading to numerous albums, film appearances, and an Academy Award.

A pioneer of modern pop superstardom, Sinatra started making his mark in the early 1940s with solo performances that rivaled the hysteria later associated with Elvis Presley and the Beatles. With a career spanning more than five decades, Sinatra mirrored the American psyche, becoming a singular figure in show business.

His filmography includes 58 movies, earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the 1953 film, "From Here to Eternity." As an actor, Sinatra conveyed the same emotional complexity seen in his singing, blending honesty, vulnerability, and confidence. However, his role choices were occasionally indifferent or unwise.

Sinatra's romantic journey was as dynamic as his career, marked by four marriages and three children from his initial union with childhood sweetheart Nancy Barbato. Their love story began in their teenage years, culminating in marriage in 1939, just as Sinatra's singing career was poised for greatness.

During their early years, the Sinatras inhabited a modest Jersey City apartment, witnessing the birth of their two eldest children, a daughter, Nancy, and a son, Frank Jr.

Barbato worked as a secretary while Sinatra pursued his career, initially as a singing waiter. However, fame's ascent led the couple to Los Angeles, where Sinatra transitioned into a pop music sensation in the '40s and subsequently became a movie star.

The marriage faced turmoil when Sinatra's affair with actress Ava Gardner became public, resulting in Barbato's decision to part ways. The divorce was finalized in 1951, and Sinatra promptly married Gardner. Barbato valiantly raised their three children as a single mother.

Sinatra's second marriage to Gardner in 1951 lasted less than six years, marked by long periods they spent apart. Gardner, candidly reflecting on their relationship, remarked, "We were happy when Frank was on the skids. When he became successful again, his old arrogant self came back."

Their union was stormy, marked by Sinatra's notorious liaisons with the iconic Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Natalie Wood, Gina Lollobrigida, and Lauren Bacall. In 1966, at 50, Sinatra embarked on his third marriage to 21-year-old actress Mia Farrow. Their union faced challenges despite initial bliss, with Sinatra jesting about Farrow's youth on stage.

The marriage, characterized by a significant age gap, ended in separation in 1967 and eventual divorce the following year. Sinatra's fourth and final marriage was to Barbara, a former model and dancer previously married to Zeppo Marx, in 1976. Described as having a calming effect on Sinatra, the blonde and beautiful Barbara brought both maturity and elegance to their relationship.

For over two decades, their union appeared to be the happiest of Sinatra's life. But in the twilight of his life, the enigmatic Sinatra allegedly contemplated a return to his roots, considering rekindling his connection with his first wife, Barbato. This revelation comes from Tony Oppedisano, a Sinatra management team member and a longtime friend, whose insights are chronicled in his memoir, "Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours."

Oppedisano acknowledges the impracticality of Sinatra's contemplation of a reunion with Barbato, recognizing that such a scenario would inevitably cause harm to those involved. He reveals, "Nancy was probably the single longest friendship that he had in his life."

Oppedisano stated, "Frank was very much in love with Barbara, his last wife, obviously. And it was something that probably couldn't really ever happen because too many people would have gotten hurt." He emphasizes the depth of Barbato's care for Sinatra, revealing insights from his conversations with her.

Barbato explained that, despite the challenges posed by Sinatra's infidelity, he always returned home, maintaining his role as a tremendous father. Her ultimate decision to grant a divorce was driven by the professional repercussions Sinatra faced in an era where public figures faced severe consequences for extramarital affairs.

Tina, the youngest of Sinatra's three children, maintained regular contact with her father. However, their relationship faced strains, primarily due to Tina's intense dislike for her stepmother, Barbara. As Sinatra's health declined in the days leading up to his death in 1998, an acknowledgment of guilt and an apology unfolded.

Tina recalls her father expressing profound remorse, admitting that he hurt her the most when she was young. Tina, fondly referred to as "Pigeon" by her father, recounts a heartfelt moment at the end of her father's life. He uttered, "I'm sorry, Pigeon," recognizing the pain he caused.

Demonstrating compassion, Tina assured him that the past was long gone. Sinatra, reflecting on leaving Tina's mother, Barbato, when Tina was just seven months old, confessed, "I think I hurt you most because you were so young." In November 2021, Tina commemorated her father's life in style.

The return of the long-unseen holiday special, "The Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Family Christmas Show," was revealed, marking 54 years since its original airing. The show featured not only Martin and Sinatra but also their respective families, offering a rare glimpse into these iconic performers' personal lives and relationships.

This special gave viewers an intimate view of the performers known for their loose, off-the-cuff, and unpredictable chemistry they shared on stage and screen. Musical performances, comedy sketches, and family moments were interwoven with guest appearances by legendary figures like Jimmy Stewart, Jackie Gleason, and Bing Crosby.

Tina, the guardian of her father's show business legacy, expressed the timeliness of revisiting this holiday special in the spirited Rat Pack style. Her sentiment was driven by the joy she derived from watching the show and the intuitive feeling that it was the right moment to share a bit of holiday cheer. She said, "We love the season as a family— we still love it."

The revival of this special served as a touching tribute to two of the most iconic performers of the 20th century. It shed light on the personal lives and relationships that defined their legacies.

Sinatra was one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, and his music continues to be celebrated today. Despite his unparalleled success, the complexities of his relationship with his daughter, Tina, unfolded over time. It wasn't until the final days of Sinatra's life that he found the words to express regret and extend an apology for all the hurt he had caused.

Tina's recollection of their final conversation is a touching tribute to one of the greatest entertainers in history, offering valuable insights into Sinatra's personal life and relationships.