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Claudine Longet, the French-born vocalist and former spouse of pop icon Andy Williams, has passed away at 84. Her nephew, Bryan Longet, confirmed the news on Thursday, May 14.
Longet became a polarizing figure in the mid-1970s following the fatal shooting of her boyfriend, the renowned Olympic skier Vladimir “Spider” Sabich. The ensuing legal proceedings—which resulted in a 30-day jail sentence—ignited a firestorm of international controversy, with many critics arguing that the outcome highlighted deep-seated disparities in the American justice system regarding wealth and celebrity influence.
Before the tragedy, Longet enjoyed a vibrant career as a performer. Often featured on Andy Williams’ variety programs, she also established herself as a solo recording artist in the late 1960s. Her discography, which spanned seven albums, defined a specific era of soft pop and bossa nova that would later be reclaimed under the “lounge” genre.
Born in Paris on January 29, 1942, Longet moved to Las Vegas at 18 to join the Folies Bergère revue. Shortly thereafter, she met Williams, their marriage taking place in 1961. Following Williams’ meteoric rise to stardom with “Moon River,” the couple relocated to Malibu, where they raised three children.
Longet’s musical footprint grew significantly through her A&M Records tenure, guided by producer Tommy LiPuma. Her 1967 debut, Claudine, earned gold status, while her rendition of “Love Is Blue” climbed the Hot 100 charts. Beyond music, she appeared on screen alongside Peter Sellers in 1968’s The Party.
Her life took a somber turn in 1976 when she moved to Aspen, Colorado, to live with Sabich. The subsequent legal trial, in which Longet maintained the shooting was accidental, became a media spectacle. Even after their divorce in 1975, Williams remained a steadfast supporter, funding her defense and publicly maintaining her innocence.
The incident permeated pop culture, famously inspiring a scathing sketch on Saturday Night Live and a Rolling Stones track titled “Claudine,” which the band ultimately omitted from their Emotional Rescue album due to its sensitive nature.
Longet eventually largely retreated from the spotlight, making her final known public contribution in a 2003 retrospective regarding Andy Williams’ career, where she reflected on the enduring affection fans held for their festive holiday television specials.
