It was one of those moments that feels like it’s straight out of a movie. Bob Hope walked into a New York supper club and heard Dolores Reade singing “Paper Moon.” He was smitten instantly. “It was love at first song,” Bob would later say. And guess what? Dolores felt the same way. In an interview, she revealed, “It really was instant love between us. I told my mom right away, ‘I think I just met my husband.’” They tied the knot a few months later and became a dynamic duo in Bob’s vaudeville act, blending their talents and creating magic on stage.

A Marriage That Lasted Nearly Seven Decades

Nowadays, celebrity romances often seem fleeting, but Bob and Dolores proved that love can endure. Their marriage lasted an incredible 69 years. According to Richard Zoglin, author of Hope: Entertainer of the Century, their relationship was built on friendship and mutual respect. “Dolores was Bob’s rock,” Zoglin explains. “She didn’t just organize his social life; she was his confidante, advisor, and the person who kept him grounded.” And let’s not forget—she even helped him refine his jokes. Their eldest daughter, Linda Hope, recalls, “Mom would listen to Dad’s new material and give him feedback. She’d tell him what worked and what didn’t, and he valued her input.”

The Challenges of Being Married to a Megastar

While their marriage was a testament to true love, it wasn’t without its challenges. Bob’s fame and demanding career meant he spent a lot of time away from home. Unfortunately, like many celebrities of his era, he wasn’t always faithful. Zoglin notes, “Back then, it was kind of expected that men would ‘play around.’ Bob did too, but deep down, he always considered Dolores his one true love.” Despite the hardships, Dolores stood by him, and together they raised four children, gave generously to charity, played golf, and entertained the troops.

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Memories of a Beloved Father

For Linda, growing up with a famous dad wasn’t always easy. She wishes he could have been around more, especially during her childhood. But when Bob was home, he made every moment count. “Christmas was always special when Dad came back,” Linda reminisces. “We missed him so much, but he knew how to make up for lost time. He’d entertain us with his silly falsetto voice, pretending to be our neighbor Bessie. It’s a memory that still brings a smile to my face.”

Bob’s humor wasn’t reserved for the stage—it spilled over into family life. Linda shares, “Dad loved to make us laugh. When Mom tried to teach us proper table manners, Dad would launch a napkin across the table from his chair. Poor Mom spent half her life trying to keep all of us, including Dad, in line!”

A Tribute to Dolores

In his 1954 autobiography, This Is on Me, Bob paid tribute to the woman who made his life complete. He wrote, “Dolores has this incredible way with our kids. I can’t help but admire everything she’s done for them. People might be surprised to hear that I’m actually a family man at heart. Sure, I’m no saint—I’ve met very few in my life—but my mom and Dolores are two of them. Here’s the thing: I’ve been married to the same woman for 20 years, and that’s pretty rare in Hollywood.”