Dolores Hope
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| Dolores Hope | |
| Born | May 27, 1909  New York City, New York, United States |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Singer and philanthropist |
| Spouse | Bob Hope |
| Children | Eleanora, Anthony, Linda and Kelly |
Dolores Hope (born Dolores DeFina, May 27, 1909) is a singer, philanthropist and the widow of legendary actor Bob Hope.
She was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx. She is of Italian and Irish descent.
During the 1930s, she began her professional singing career, and changed her name to Dolores Reade upon the advice of her agent. In 1933, after appearing at the Vogue Club, a Manhattan nightclub, Hope was introduced to Bob Hope. The couple were married in 1934 and later adopted four children at The Cradle in Evanston, Illinois: Eleanora, Anthony, Linda, and Kelly.
In the 1940s, Dolores began helping Bob on his tours entertaining U.S. troops overseas and she would continue to do so for over 50 years. In 1990, she was the only female entertainer allowed to perform in Saudi Arabia.
At 83 she recorded her first CD, Dolores Hope: Now and Then. She followed this with three additional albums and also recorded a Christmas CD with Bob entitled Hopes for the Holidays.
[edit] Honors
Dolores has received several notable honors during her lifetime, including:
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to live theatre.
- A street named after her in the Bronx
- A permanent installation of the Tree Peony Collection bearing her name.
- 7 Honorary Doctorates
- The President's Medal from Loyola College in Baltimore.
- The Outstanding Catholic Laywoman Award from St. Louis University
- The Elizabeth Seton Medal Award from Seton Hall College
On May 29, 2003, Dolores was at her husband's side as he celebrated his 100th birthday. Her husband's health declined quickly, and he died a few weeks later on July 27th.[1]
Dolores was hit with more devastating news a year later, when on June 28, 2004, her son Anthony died at the age of 63.[1]
Dolores has remained as active as possible. On May 27, 2008, she turned 99 years old and is reportedly in good health.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Bob Hope dead at 100 July 29, 2003, CNN
