Claudine Longet, Notorious Star, Dies at 84

Claudine Longet, a French-born singer and the former wife of Andy Williams, has died at the age of 84. Her death was confirmed on May 14, 2026, by her nephew. Longet gained significant notoriety for the 1976 fatal shooting of her boyfriend, Olympic skier Vladimir Sabich, an incident that sparked international headlines and inspired media portrayals.

Longet's legal aftermath saw her acquitted of felony reckless manslaughter but convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide, receiving a sentence of 30 days. This light sentence, which she could serve at her chosen times, drew widespread attention and criticism.

Before the scandal, Longet enjoyed a music career, releasing seven albums that featured pop and bossa nova styles. She frequently appeared on The Andy Williams Show and achieved chart success with songs like "Meditation (Meditação)" and "Love Is Blue (L'Amour Est Bleu)." She also appeared in the 1968 film "The Party."

Longet and Williams were close to the Kennedy family and were present around the time of Senator Robert F. Kennedy's assassination in 1968. The couple divorced in 1975. Williams supported Longet through her trial, covering her legal defense.

Following the Sabich case, Longet's story was depicted in a "Saturday Night Live" sketch and a Rolling Stones song, "Claudine," though the latter was initially deemed too controversial for release.