[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
[May 15, 1998]
[Page 766]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Death of Frank Sinatra 
May 15, 1998

    Hillary and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of a musical 
legend and an American icon--Frank Sinatra. Early in his long career, 
fans dubbed him ``The Voice.'' And that was the first thing America 
noticed about Frank Sinatra: that miraculous voice, strong and subtle, 
wisecracking and wistful, streetwise, but defiantly sweet. In time, he 
became so much more. Sinatra was a spellbinding performer, on stage or 
on screen, in musicals, comedies, and dramas. He built one of the 
world's most important record companies. He won countless awards, from 
the Grammy--nine times--to the Academy Award, to the Presidential Medal 
of Freedom. And he dedicated himself to humanitarian causes.
    When I became President, I had never met Frank Sinatra, although I 
was an enormous admirer of his. I had the opportunity after I became 
President to get to know him a little, to have dinner with him, to 
appreciate on a personal level what fans around the world, including me, 
appreciated from afar.
    Frank Sinatra will be missed profoundly by millions around the 
world. But his music and movies will ensure that ``Ol' Blue Eyes'' is 
never forgotten. Today I think every American would have to smile and 
say he really did do it his way.
    Hillary and I would like to offer our condolences to Frank's wife, 
Barbara, and to his children, Nancy, Frank, 
Jr., and Tina. Our hearts are with them today.