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The Bing Crosby Family Tragedy And Triumph: Where Are His Seven Children Today?

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The legacy of Bing Crosby, the most famous crooner of the 20th century, is one of unparalleled professional success, yet his personal life—particularly the fate of his seven children—is a story steeped in both triumph and profound tragedy. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the Crosby family name remains in the news, most recently following the death of his second wife and the mother of his three youngest children, Kathryn Grant Crosby, in September 2024.

The stark difference in the lives of his two families—four sons from his first marriage to Dixie Lee, and three children (two sons and one daughter) from his second marriage to Kathryn Grant—continues to fascinate and haunt Hollywood history, with a narrative often referred to as the "Crosby Curse" due to the heartbreaking fates of his older sons. This in-depth look explores the complex lives of all seven of Bing Crosby’s children, revealing who survived the shadow of the legendary entertainer and what they are doing today.

The Seven Children of Bing Crosby: A Complete Family Biography

Bing Crosby had seven children across two marriages, creating two distinct family units that experienced vastly different outcomes and public perceptions. Below is a complete profile of his children.

  • Mother: Dixie Lee Crosby (Married 1930–1952)
    • Gary Crosby (August 15, 1933 – August 17, 1995): Actor, singer, and author of the controversial memoir Going My Own Way. Died of lung cancer at age 62.
    • Phillip Crosby (July 13, 1934 – January 13, 2004): Twin brother of Dennis. Singer and actor, part of The Crosby Boys act. Died of a heart attack at age 69.
    • Dennis Crosby (July 13, 1934 – May 4, 1991): Twin brother of Phillip. Singer and actor. Died by suicide at age 56.
    • Lindsay Crosby (January 5, 1938 – December 11, 1989): Actor and singer, the youngest of the first family. Died by suicide at age 51.
  • Mother: Kathryn Grant Crosby (Married 1957–1977)
    • Harry Lillis Crosby III (Born August 8, 1958): Investment banker and former actor. Currently a Partner at Trilantic North America.
    • Mary Crosby (Born September 14, 1959): Actress, best known for playing Kristin Shepard on the television series Dallas.
    • Nathaniel Crosby (Born October 29, 1961): Professional golfer, 1981 U.S. Amateur champion, and former Walker Cup Captain.

The Tragic Legacy of the Four Older Sons (The Crosby Boys)

The four sons from Bing Crosby's first marriage with Dixie Lee—Gary, Phillip, Dennis, and Lindsay—were collectively known as The Crosby Boys and attempted to forge a career in show business, but their lives were plagued by personal turmoil and tragedy. The pervasive image of the cheerful, wholesome "Der Bingle" was shattered by the revelations that emerged after his death.

The Shocking Memoir and Allegations of Abuse

The most damaging revelation came from the eldest son, Gary Crosby, in his 1983 memoir, Going My Own Way. Gary described his father as an emotionally distant and physically abusive disciplinarian who used a heavy leather strap and psychological manipulation to enforce strict Catholic rules. This account cast a dark shadow over Bing Crosby's public persona, painting a picture of a harsh, demanding patriarch behind the scenes.

The memoir’s contents were disputed by the children of Bing’s second marriage, but the narrative of a troubled family life gained traction, especially as tragedy continued to strike the first family.

A Series of Heartbreaking Fates

The four older sons faced significant challenges, including alcoholism and mental health struggles, which many commentators linked to the pressures of their childhood and living in their famous father's shadow.

  • Lindsay Crosby’s Suicide (1989): Lindsay, the youngest of the first family, died by suicide at age 51. Reports indicated his despair was compounded by financial difficulties, specifically the end of his inheritance income from a trust fund established by his father.
  • Dennis Crosby’s Suicide (1991): Just two years after his brother, Dennis Crosby also took his own life at age 56. His death, too, was attributed to a long struggle with alcoholism and depression.
  • Gary Crosby’s Death (1995): Gary, the author who brought the family's troubles to light, died of lung cancer at age 62.
  • Phillip Crosby’s Death (2004): Phillip, who had a brief career in acting and singing, died of a heart attack at age 69.

The fact that two of Bing’s sons from his first marriage died by suicide contributed significantly to the "Crosby Curse" moniker, a term used to describe the overwhelming misfortune that seemed to follow the family.

The Surviving Children: Harry, Mary, and Nathaniel Crosby in 2025

In contrast to the tragic lives of their older half-brothers, the three children from Bing Crosby's second marriage to actress Kathryn Grant have largely found stability and success in their respective fields. Their mother, Kathryn, who was a staunch defender of Bing’s character, passed away recently in September 2024 at the age of 90, marking a significant recent event for the surviving siblings.

Mary Crosby: The Actress Who Shot J.R.

Mary Frances Crosby, Bing's only daughter, is a well-known television and film actress. Her most famous role remains that of Kristin Shepard on the iconic CBS soap opera Dallas. Kristin was the character who shot the show's lead, J.R. Ewing, in the famous 1980 cliffhanger, "Who Shot J.R.?"

At 65 years old, Mary Crosby has maintained a steady career in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous films and TV series over the decades, including a recurring role on the show The Legend of Zorro. She has consistently defended her father’s memory, stating that her childhood was loving and that her father was a kind and attentive parent. Her life and career stand as a testament to a different, more positive experience of growing up Crosby.

Harry Crosby III: The Wall Street Power Player

Harry Lillis Crosby III, the namesake of his father, took a dramatically different path from show business. While he had a brief stint as an actor in the 1980s, he transitioned into the high-stakes world of finance. Today, Harry Crosby is a highly successful investment banker, currently serving as a Partner of Business Development at Trilantic North America, a prominent private equity firm.

Harry has also been actively involved in managing his father's estate and legacy. A major, recent development in late 2024 was his decision to list the family’s longtime Hillsborough, California, estate for sale, an event that brought the family back into the real estate and news spotlight. His successful career in finance represents a complete break from the tumultuous artistic paths of his older half-brothers.

Nathaniel Crosby: The Champion Golfer

Nathaniel Patrick Crosby, the youngest of all seven children, embraced his father's passion for golf. Bing Crosby, a devoted golfer, hosted the popular Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (now the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am) for decades. Nathaniel went on to become a champion in his own right, winning the prestigious U.S. Amateur in 1981.

Nathaniel’s most recent and prominent role is in golf administration. He served as the Captain of the victorious USA Walker Cup Team in both 2021 and 2023, a significant honor in the amateur golf world. At 64, Nathaniel’s career, which also includes executive roles in the golf manufacturing space, is a direct continuation of his father's love for the sport, symbolizing a successful and healthy connection to the Crosby name.

Topical Authority: The Enduring Crosby Family Narrative

The story of Bing Crosby's children is a powerful case study in the complexities of celebrity family life, particularly the impact of an iconic, controlling figure on his offspring. The contrasting lives of the two families—the turmoil, addiction, and suicide that plagued the four sons of Dixie Lee, versus the successful careers in acting, finance, and golf enjoyed by the three children of Kathryn Grant—continue to fuel public discussion about nature versus nurture, and the lasting effects of childhood environment.

Despite the controversies, the Crosby family, led by the surviving siblings, continues to manage the vast estate and the cultural legacy of Bing Crosby, ensuring his voice remains the definitive sound of the holiday season. The recent passing of Kathryn Grant Crosby serves as a poignant reminder that the generation closest to the legendary crooner is now passing the torch, leaving the three youngest children to carry the full weight of one of Hollywood's most complicated and enduring family sagas.

bing crosby kids
bing crosby kids

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