Renowned composer Burt Bacharach, whose music graced our lives for six decades, shared his incredible journey with not only fans but also his four cherished children. Among them are Cristopher Bacharach, Oliver Bacharach, Raleigh Bacharach, and his late daughter, Nikki Bacharach. On February 8, 2023, the legendary composer passed away at the age of 94 due to natural causes, as confirmed by his publicist, Tina Brausam, in a statement to The Associated Press. Let's take a closer look at the lives of Burt's four children and their unique contributions to his legacy.
Remembering Nikki Bacharach: Burt's Eldest Daughter
Burt's first chapter as a father began during his marriage to the captivating actress Angie Dickinson, which lasted from 1965 to 1981. Their union blessed them with a daughter, Nikki, who arrived three months earlier than expected in 1966. In a heartfelt essay published in the Daily Mail, Burt revealed that Nikki was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, leading her to spend a decade in a treatment center. Tragically, Nikki took her own life at the age of 40 in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience.
“Nikki was cremated, and there was no formal service, but Angie crafted a beautiful memorial booklet in her honor, filled with photographs and a heartfelt poem,” Burt penned in his essay. “The closing lines read, ‘Nikki put on quite a show while she was here on Earth. She wasn’t understood by most, but she was deeply loved and appreciated by a precious few. And now, she’s finally at peace. Her Mom.’”
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Introducing Cristopher Bacharach: Burt's Eldest Son
In 1982, Burt found love again with the talented lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. Their nine-year marriage resulted in the adoption of their son, Cristopher. Over the years, Carole and Cristopher maintained a close bond, which she beautifully captured in her 2016 memoir, They’re Playing Our Song, dedicated to both her son and her second husband, Robert Daly.
While Cristopher prefers to stay out of the limelight, he has occasionally made appearances alongside his mother and stepfather on the red carpet. In August 2016, Carole shared a touching photo with her only child on Facebook, giving fans a rare glimpse into their relationship.
Meet Oliver Bacharach: Burt's Youngest Son
Burt's journey as a father continued in 1993 when he married Jane Hansen. Together, they welcomed their son, Oliver, who has carved his own niche in life. Oliver is the proud owner of a homemade ice cream company named Afternoon Deelite, based in Aspen, Colorado. A social media enthusiast, Oliver often shares glimpses of his life, including moments with his father, snowboarding adventures, and playful interactions with his furry companions.
Oliver, a graduate of the University of Oregon, also has a flair for music. In 2013, he embarked on a European tour with his dad, playing the keyboard in Burt's band. This shared experience left an indelible mark on Burt, who expressed his gratitude in an interview with The Register-Guard in October 2014. “It’s incredibly hard to describe the connection you feel when you make music together with your child. It’s an extraordinary bond, one that’s truly rare and special,” Burt fondly recalled.
Raleigh Bacharach: Burt's Youngest Daughter
The youngest of Burt's children, Raleigh, has made a name for herself in the world of academia and sports. Raleigh earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and later pursued a master’s degree at San Diego State University, as noted on her LinkedIn profile. An accomplished equestrian, she competed across the United States during her college years. In January 2022, Raleigh embarked on a new chapter as a health promotion program administrator in Pitkin County, Colorado.
