Sinatra's Melodies of Love: Tracing the Passionate Ties of Frank Sinatra's Romances

Frank Sinatra's romantic journey was as captivating as his music. Throughout his life, he encountered several women who left an imprint on his heart and soul. 

From his first wife to his last, each relationship had its own unique story. Let's take a closer look at these women who shared moments of love, passion, and sometimes heartbreak with the iconic entertainer.

Nancy Barbato: The First Love

Frank Sinatra's first wife, Nancy Barbato, played a significant role in his life. They met as teenagers and tied the knot when Sinatra was just 24. Initially, their marriage was blissful, and they raised two children together. However, as Sinatra's fame grew, so did his wandering eye.

The allure of Hollywood led him to engage in extramarital affairs, which eventually strained their relationship. The final blow came with his involvement with Ava Gardner, leading to their separation. Despite their parting, Barbato never remarried, and their granddaughter claims that they never truly fell out of love.

Lana Turner: The Temptress of the Silver Screen

Lana Turner, the renowned actress, caught Frank Sinatra's eye after he watched her movie "The Postman Always Rings Twice" in 1946. Sinatra was instantly smitten and wasted no time in pursuing her. 

The two embarked on a romantic affair, with Sinatra considering Turner the most "carnal" woman he had ever been with. However, Turner denied their relationship for years, downplaying their connection. But till now, it remains a mystery whether their love affair was exaggerated by Sinatra or hidden by Turner.

Ava Gardner: A Passionate and Tumultuous Union

In Ava Gardner, Sinatra found a woman who matched his lifestyle in every aspect. They married in 1951, but their relationship was far from smooth sailing. Both indulged in drinking, partying, and infidelity. 

 The turbulence reached its peak when Gardner started dating a famous matador, leading to their separation. Sinatra's despair was evident, with rumors of self-harm circulating. Despite their rocky romance, they remained close, and Sinatra even provided financial support when Gardner faced health issues.

Angie Dickinson: A Long-lasting Connection

Angie Dickinson may not have had the intensity of some of Sinatra's other relationships, but her connection with him lasted for nearly two decades. The former couple met each other on the set of a TV show, and their bond continued when Dickinson played Sinatra's wife in the film "Ocean's 11." 

While their relationship was not characterized by fiery passion, they held a deep fondness for each other. According to Dickinson, their relationship lasted because they genuinely liked each other and didn't succumb to a burning love affair.

Lauren Bacall: Crossing Boundaries of Friendship

Sinatra's involvement with Lauren Bacall created quite a scandal, considering she was married to Humphrey Bogart, one of Sinatra's closest friends. Following his breakup with Ava Gardner, Sinatra pursued Bacall, causing tensions within their social circle. 

 Their relationship became increasingly public, raising eyebrows due to Bacall's husband's illness. Although they became engaged, the marriage was called off due to the backlash they faced. Sinatra couldn't handle the public outcry resulting from his relationship with his friend's recent widow.

Marilyn Monroe: A Dream Pairing

The union of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe was a match made in Hollywood heaven. Initially close friends, their bond deepened after their respective divorces. They even became roommates, sharing a platonic relationship. 

 However, their friendship took a romantic turn when Sinatra discovered Monroe standing in front of the refrigerator, naked, trying to decide between grapefruit and orange juice. They shared a meal instead, but their relationship was short-lived. Sinatra was devastated by Monroe's tragic death and was barred from attending her funeral by her former husband, Joe DiMaggio.

Juliet Prowse: An Engagement Cut Short

Breaking away from his pattern of dating famous leading ladies, Sinatra became engaged to Juliet Prowse in the early '60s. Prowse, a rising star in her own right, was Sinatra's co-star in the movie "Can-Can." However, their engagement ended after a few months. 

 

Prowse was not willing to sacrifice her career for the kind of stay-at-home life Sinatra desired. Their relationship, albeit brief, was marked by Prowse stating that Sinatra could be difficult after a few drinks.

Mia Farrow: An Unexpected Match

Frank Sinatra's marriage to Mia Farrow in 1966 shocked many in Hollywood. With a significant age difference and contrasting lifestyles, they were an unlikely couple. 

 Due to that, Farrow and Sinatra faced numerous challenges in their relationship. The marriage ended abruptly, with Farrow being served divorce papers on the set of her movie "Rosemary's Baby." 

Despite their separation, Farrow hinted years later that they had never truly split and suggested Sinatra might be the father of her son Ronan Farrow.

Barbara Marx: The Lasting Love

In 1976, Sinatra tied the knot with Barbara Marx, a showgirl and socialite. Despite enduring strain caused by her difficult relationship with Sinatra's children, their marriage lasted over twenty years. 

This union became Sinatra's most successful, outlasting all his previous relationships. However, their bond was not without its flaws. As Sinatra lay dying, Marx neglected to inform his children, denying them the chance to be with their father in his final moments.  Despite this heartbreaking incident, their relationship endured until Sinatra's passing.

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