Frank Sinatra, “Ol’ Blue Eyes” and leader of the Rat Pack, left behind more than just a musical legacy when he passed away in 1998. Over a career that saw him sell more than 150 million albums worldwide, Sinatra also built a family whose members have each gone on to forge their own paths — some in music, some far away from the spotlight.
Here’s a look at his three children — Nancy, Frank Jr., and Tina — and what they’ve accomplished, along with a glimpse into the next generation of Sinatras.
Nancy Sinatra – The Star Who Followed Closest in His Footsteps
Born June 8, 1940, Nancy is the eldest child of Frank and Nancy Barbato Sinatra. She first gained international fame with her 1966 hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’”, which became an anthem of the Swinging Sixties. She also scored hits like “Sugar Town”, “Somethin’ Stupid” (a duet with her father), “Summer Wine”, and her haunting cover of “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”, later used in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill.
Nancy also appeared in several films between 1964 and 1968, acting alongside Peter Fonda, Elvis Presley, and her father. Even into her 80s, she continues to release music, run her online store Nancy’s Boutique, and connect with fans.
She married twice — first to pop singer Tommy Sands (1960–1965) and later to Hugh Lambert (1970–1985), with whom she had two daughters: Angela “AJ” Lambert (a jazz-influenced musician) and Amanda Lambert (a photographer).
Frank Sinatra Jr. – The Heir Who Lived in His Father’s Shadow
Born January 10, 1944, Frank Jr. dreamed of being a pianist and songwriter but faced constant comparisons to his legendary father. His life took a dramatic turn in 1963 when, at age 19, he was kidnapped at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and released after Frank Sr. paid a $240,000 ransom.
Frank Jr. worked steadily as a musician, even touring with Duke Ellington, but never fully broke free from his father’s shadow. In 1980, he joined Frank Sr. on tour as his musical director, a role he held until his father’s death in 1998.
He married Cynthia McMurry in 1998 (divorced in 2000) and had one son, Michael Sinatra, a Las Vegas jazz singer. Frank Jr. passed away in 2016 at age 72 from a heart attack while on tour.
Tina Sinatra – The Keeper of the Legacy
Born June 20, 1948, Tina was just three when her parents divorced. Unlike her siblings, she never pursued singing, instead dabbling in acting (It Takes a Thief, Adam-12, Mannix) before moving into production.
After Frank’s death, Tina became the executor of his estate, overseeing his music and film legacy. She produced the 1992 CBS miniseries Sinatra and the 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate. Her 2000 memoir, My Father’s Daughter, offered a candid look at life as Frank Sinatra’s child.
Tina was briefly engaged to actor Robert Wagner and had two short-lived marriages but never had children. Now in her 70s, she lives a quieter life in Beverly Hills.
The Sinatra Legacy Lives On
From Nancy’s enduring stage presence to Tina’s stewardship of Frank’s body of work, the Sinatra children have each honored their father in their own way. And with grandchildren like AJ Lambert carrying on the family’s musical traditions, the Sinatra name — like Frank’s voice — shows no sign of fading.
If you’d like, I can also write you a more emotional and nostalgic version of this piece that focuses on Frank’s pride as a father and the bittersweet way his children have protected his legacy. That style would make it feel almost like a tribute. Would you like me to do that?
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