Actress And Wife Of Late Bing Crosby Dies At 90 Years Old

Born Olive Kathryn Grandstaff in West Columbia, Texas, in November 1933, Kathryn Crosby embodied the quintessential American success story. With her Southern roots, she rose from modest beginnings to become a fixture of 1950s cinema, appearing in films like *Operation Mad Ball* and *The 7th Voyage of Sinbad*. Her natural charm and talent were undeniable, and she went by stage names Kathryn Grant and Kathryn Grandstaff.

But Kathryn Crosby wasn’t just a Hollywood star. She was also a symbol of traditional American values—family, faith, and commitment. Her marriage to Bing Crosby in 1957 exemplified a kind of love that seems rare in today’s world, built on respect and mutual admiration. Despite a 30-year age difference, Kathryn and Bing’s relationship flourished, defying Hollywood norms and proving that real love transcends such trivial concerns.

At just 23 years old, Kathryn married Bing Crosby, then 54, in a quiet Las Vegas ceremony. Their love story wasn’t without its challenges, including Bing’s health issues, but Kathryn’s resilience and faith kept them strong. Reflecting on their marriage in later interviews, she once said, “I realized I could survive without him, and he realized he didn’t want to survive without me.” Her words echo a traditional understanding of marriage that many conservatives cherish—a union built on strength, perseverance, and unwavering commitment.

Throughout their 20-year marriage, Kathryn and Bing had three children: Harry, 66, Mary, 65, and Nathaniel, 62. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Kathryn made occasional appearances on *The Bing Crosby Show* and hosted her own local daytime program, *The Kathryn Crosby Show*, in the 1970s. Even as she raised her children and managed family life, she never lost her love for performing.

Following Bing’s death in 1977, Kathryn returned to the stage, starring in the Broadway musical revival of *State Fair*. But her most significant role post-Bing was perhaps her charitable work. For 16 years, she hosted the Crosby National Golf Tournament, raising money for various causes—a testament to her giving spirit and the strong sense of duty she carried throughout her life.

Kathryn married her second husband, Maurice William Sullivan, in 2000. Tragically, Sullivan passed away in a car accident in the Sierra Nevada ten years later. Despite these losses, Kathryn remained a pillar of strength for her family, including her three children and numerous grandchildren, all of whom survive her today.

As Hollywood continues to lose its legends, Kathryn Crosby stands out not only for her beauty and talent but for her dedication to family and tradition. She lived her life with poise, purpose, and a firm belief in the values that built America. Her story is a reminder of a time when family and faith took precedence, and Hollywood’s biggest stars weren’t afraid to embrace them.

Kathryn Crosby’s legacy will live on—not just through her film and television appearances but through the example she set as a loving wife, mother, and patriot.