Steve Lawrence, Celebrated Grammy and Emmy Winner, Dies at 88
Steve Lawrence, the beloved entertainer and one-half of the famous singing duo Steve & Eydie with his wife Eydie Gormé, has passed away at the age of 88. The singer, known for hits like "Go Away Little Girl," succumbed to complications from Alzheimer's disease, according to family spokesperson Susan DuBow.
Lawrence's illustrious career in music left an indelible mark, although his struggle with Alzheimer's marred his later years. In 2019, he openly shared his diagnosis to address rumors and media speculation, emphasizing his desire to live fully and cherish time with loved ones without seeking pity.
Lawrence confirmed the Alzheimer's diagnosis in June of 2019 in a letter sent by his spokesman, Howard Bragman, saying that he felt he needed to speak out in light of recent rumors and media inquiries.
"I'm living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy."
Lawrence said he didn't want pity or sympathy in response to his diagnosis.
"I have lived and am living a wonderful, joyous life filled with love, support and amazing moments."
Music and Entertainment Career Spanned Decades
Together with Gormé, whom he met on Steve Allen's "Tonight Show," Lawrence enjoyed a vibrant career that spanned decades. They became staples in Las Vegas and on television variety shows, captivating audiences with their performances. Lawrence also enjoyed solo success, charting 33 songs on Billboard between 1952 and 1966, with five reaching the top 10.
"Go Away Little Girl” spent two weeks in the number one spot in January 1963.
Lawrence appeared on dozens of TV shows over the years, from "Two and a Half Men" to "C.S.I.." He made one appearance as Morty Fine, the mysterious dad of Fran Drescher's character in "The Nanny." On the big screen, he appeared in films, including "The Blues Brothers" (1980) opposite John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and its sequel in 2000 with Aykroyd and John Goodman.
Stars Remember Lawrence
Tributes from friends like Dionne Warwick and Carol Burnett highlight Lawrence's impact both as a performer and a person. His battle with Alzheimer's puts him among other celebrities who have faced dementia, underscoring the condition's widespread reach. Rita Hayworth, Glen Campbell, and Charlton Heston are among those who have also navigated the challenges of dementia.
The Alzheimer's Association reports over 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's, with global estimates from Alzheimer's Disease International at 55 million. These figures underscore the urgent need for awareness, research, and care solutions.
Planning Avoids Family Crisis
Stories like Lawrence's remind us of the importance of planning for long-term care, as traditional health insurance and Medicare offer limited coverage, leaving families to confront significant financial and care challenges.
Long-Term Care Insurance emerges as a crucial option for managing the costs associated with long-term health care, highlighting the necessity for early planning and informed decision-making. Traditional health insurance, including Medicare, will only pay for short-term skilled services, leaving a huge financial hole as the responsibility of long-term care falls on families and finances.
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As the world remembers Steve Lawrence, his legacy serves as a call to action in the fight against dementia and the journey towards better long-term care solutions.