As one of the most talked-about figures, Barbara Sinatra has built a significant fortune. In this article, we dive deep into the assets and career highlights.
What Was Barbara Sinatra's Net Worth?
After her first marriage, Barbara relocated to New York. While her first husband, Bob Oliver, struggled to make it as a singer, she was accepted into the Ford Modeling Agency and started posing for magazines like "Vogue" and "Life." After becoming pregnant with her first child, Barbara struggled with poverty once again before moving back to Long Beach and starting her own modeling school – the Barbara Blakely School of Modeling.
Barbara Sinatra was an American showgirl and model who had a net worth of $200 million at the time of her death. Barbara Sinatra was probably most famous for being the wife ofFrank Sinatrafrom 1976 until his death in 1998. She was also recognized for her activities as a socialite and philanthropist. During her time in the spotlight, she earned the nickname "Lady Blue Eyes." She was also married to Sinatra for longer than any of his previous wives, as their marriage spanned 22 years. During their marriage, they started the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, providing rehabilitative therapy to victims of sexual abuse. It's said that more than 20,000 children have received treatment at this center over the years.
In the late 80s, during a period of decline, Sinatra's accountants calculated his net worth to be $14 million– a surprisingly small number. However, after his death in the late 90s, his family began fighting over a will that was worth somewhere between$200 million and $600 million. Barbara also inherited several estates, including mansions in Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Palm Springs. She also inherited the rights to some of Sinatra's most valuable recordings, control of his likeness and his personal possessions.
When Barbara relocated to Long Beach, America was just recovering from the after-effects of World War II. She was soon accepted into the Robert Edward School of Professional Modeling. During this period, she became Model of the Month, and by 1948, she had won the Belmont Shore Beauty Pageant. She also became a big fan of Frank Sinatra's music during these early years.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
During this period, she also became one of the most successful models in the Palm Springs area and began getting involved in various philanthropic endeavors. She eventually became one of the most outspoken advocates for combating child abuse. By 1973, Barbara had divorced Zeppo Marx after sparking a romance with Sinatra, who was her longtime friend before anything romantic happened.
Barbara Ann Blakely was born on March 10th, 1927, in Bosworth, Missouri. Raised alongside one younger sister, Barbara moved to Wichita, Kansas, with her family at the age of 10. After graduating from high school in Wichita, she moved to Long Beach, California, at the age of 18. She later wrote in her biography that her parents were broke and that she faced ridicule as a student in Wichita due to her Southern accent.
While the school became successful, Barbara's first marriage fell apart. She was also preoccupied with raising her first child. After having an affair, she ended up performing as a showgirl in Las Vegas. During this period, she met Zeppo Marx and began a relationship with him. Barbara continued to perform at venues like the Racquet Club, rubbing shoulders with figures likeMarilyn MonroeandTony Curtis. After marrying Zeppo in 1959, Barbara met Sinatra for the first time and played tennis with him.
Ultimately, Barbara Sinatra's financial journey is a testament to their success.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.