Every Christmas season, Deana Martin eagerly anticipates hearing her late father, Dean Martin's, timeless tunes. "We have his Christmas songs and all of his music, so it’s like he never left," she shares in the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available on newsstands now. "He is with me all the time." Deana’s connection to her father is alive in every note, every lyric, reminding her that Dean Martin’s legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
While the holiday season brings joy, it also stirs some bittersweet memories for Deana. Dean Martin passed away on Christmas Day in 1995, leaving a void that still touches her heart. But despite the sadness, she feels her father’s presence in unexpected ways, especially when she hears his music in public. It’s as if his voice still echoes through the years, bridging the gap between past and present.
"I see people walking and suddenly they’re all smiling and going, 'Isn’t that Dean Martin?'" Deana, now 72, tells Closer. "It just warms my heart, it really does." Her father’s music continues to bring joy to countless listeners, a testament to his enduring talent and charm. For Deana, these moments are a comforting reminder of her father’s legacy.
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The Man Behind the Legend
Known affectionately as "The King of Cool," Dean Martin became a household name for his effortless charm and relaxed demeanor. But behind the scenes, he was a devoted family man. "He wasn’t the party animal that everyone thought he was," shares Deana, the singer of "52nd & Broadway." His true nature was far from the public image; he was warm, loving, and deeply committed to his family.
A Childhood Rooted in Hollywood Glamour
Deana, one of four children from Dean’s first marriage to Elizabeth MacDonald, grew up during her father’s early Hollywood years in the '50s and '60s. She witnessed his transformation from Jerry Lewis's comedy partner to a Rat Pack member and eventually a movie star. Despite his fame, Dean always prioritized family life. "Sure, he would go on the road, but not a lot, because he loved to be home," recalls Deana. "We could set the clock by him because we knew when he would walk in through the backdoor."
Family Ties and Happy Homes
In 1949, Dean married his second wife, Jeanne Biegger, with whom he had three more children. As a devoted father, he fought hard to keep his family close, winning custody of Deana and her siblings. Life at home was full of laughter and togetherness. "He liked to play games and cards with us, and we would all have dinner together," she remembers fondly. "He was funny and sweet and always had a smile on his face."
When he wasn’t performing, Dean Martin had another great passion—golf. "If he wasn’t working, he would get up early, have breakfast and go play golf all day," Deana reveals. Even at home, golf was never far from his mind. "He would often walk around the house holding a golf club," she reminisces. "We had thick green carpets that looked like a fairway, and he would practice his swing and his grip." Dean often joked about his love for golf. "He told me: 'Deana, do you know why I work? It’s so I can pay for you kids and play golf,'" she shares with a laugh.
