Nancy Sinatra Honors Annette Funicello 12 Years After Heartbreaking Death From MS
What To Know
- Nancy Sinatra paid tribute to her late friend Annette Funicello on what would have been Funicello’s 83rd birthday, sharing throwback photos and heartfelt memories on Instagram.
- Sinatra reminisced about their first meeting during the filming of Babes in Toyland and expressed deep affection and sorrow over Funicello’s battle with multiple sclerosis and her passing in 2013.
- Fans joined Sinatra in honoring Funicello’s legacy, leaving supportive and nostalgic messages in the comments of her birthday tribute post.
Nancy Sinatra honored her late friend, Annette Funicello, on what would have been her 83rd birthday more than 12 years after the former Mickey Mouse Club star’s death.
On October 22, the singer and eldest child of Frank Sinatra took to Instagram with a carousel of throwback photos featuring Funicello in a heartfelt tribute.
“Today is Annette Funicello’s birthday,” Sinatra, 85, captioned her update. “I first met Annie around the time she was filming Babes in Toyland with my then-husband, Tommy Sands. One day, I invited Mr. Disney to lunch at the Disney commissary to ask him for the part of Mary Quite Contrary. He told me he envisioned Annette in the role, but invited me to visit the set.”
Funicello died on April 8, 2013, after a battle with multiple sclerosis. In addition to her acting career, she was a singer who performed under the name Annette.
To conclude the birthday post, she wrote, “All these years later, I can’t remember if our first meeting was during that visit or through Jack Gilardi, who was our agent and later her husband, but she and I became great friends. Her illness and death were heartbreaking. I loved her dearly, and I miss her so much. Happy heavenly birthday, Annie. 💙.”
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In the comments, Sinatra’s followers joined her in celebrating Funicello on her birthday, with one Instagram user writing, “As a kid, I always loved watching those beach movies with Annette and Frankie Avalon. I always admire her beauty and personality. Happy heavenly birthday, Annette!”
Another fan shared, “Love you both and thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos! What a wonderful time it was back then ❤️❤️❤️.”
A different Instagram user commented, “Happy heavenly birthday to your dear friend, beautiful Nancy. God bless ❤️.”
Someone else echoed, “Happy heavenly birthday, Annette. What tremendous photos there, Nancy, thank you for sharing 🙏❤️.”
Meanwhile, yet another follower wrote, “Thank you so much for sharing these special photos, Nancy❣️ Happy Birthday, Annette💞.”