Trivia

Her and Bob's son Anthony died in 2004 at age 63. Mrs. Hope is survived by two daughters, Linda Hope, a television producer, of Toluca Lake, and Nora Hope; another son, William, of Oakland, California; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Was friends with Maria von Trapp.

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on May 1, 1997.

On one of Bob Hope's Christmas tours during the Vietnam War, she sang "Silent Night" to the troops, and brought many to tears, so her husband promptly sent her back home to the United States.

Became a centenarian on May 27, 2009 and her birthday was featured on Today (1952) (called "The Today Show").

During the 1930s, she began her professional singing career under the name, "Dolores Reade", on the advice of her agent. In 1933, after appearing at the Vogue Club, a Manhattan nightclub, Reade was introduced to Bob Hope, who had been advised to check her out by George Murphy.

Was a dedicated Catholic and generous friend to and supporter of the Trappist abbey of Saint Joseph, Spencer, Massachusetts.

Had four adopted children: Anthony, Nora, Linda Hope and Kelly Hope.

At age 83, she recorded her first CD, "Dolores Hope: Now and Then". She followed this with three additional albums and also recorded a Christmas CD, with Bob, entitled "Hopes for the Holidays".

Daughter of John Thomas DeFina and the former Theresa Kelly.