US TV star and socialite Pat Montandon has died aged 96, her son has confirmed. Montandon, who famously dated Frank Sinatra in the 70s, died “surrounded by loved ones” on December 21, son Sean Wilsey said in a statement. He penned: “My mom stopped eating a week ago and stopped drinking a few days later. I flew out from New York yesterday and spent the night at her side. She passed away this morning but was able to see her two grandchildren, Owen and Mira Wilsey, last month. Owen and Mira called and gave her their love last night, and it was clear that she heard them. She passed surrounded by love.”
While he did not confirm a cause of death, Wilsey said Montandon spent her final months at care home De Anza House in Palm Desert. Wilsey said that Montandon was treated with “great love and dignity” in her final days, as he shared some of her last words.
He said that just weeks ago on Thanksgiving, the family was sharing stories when the icon, who had been listening in, suddenly spoke up.
Wilsey said the socialite told her family: ‘I want you to carry on as if you weren’t afraid.’
He said on Facebook: “There was no arguing with that. We will,” he concluded: “Thank you for all your support over the years. This community meant so much to her and was a source of great joy.”
Montandon was a well-known figure in San Francisco through hosting luncheons which were attended by the likes of Danielle Steel, the Gettys, Andy Warhol and Sinatra, and was called “one of those people who just seem famous”.
Her notoriety landed her several TV shows, as she hosted The Prize Movie and The Pat Montandon Show on KGO-TV – where she reviewed films and discussed society and celebrity.
She also met 26 world leaders throughout her career, including Mother Teresa and the Pope, and earned three Nobel Peace Prize nominations after creating several charities focused on climate action, gun control and women’s rights.
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