Dolores Hope
As Bob Hope's wife for nearly seven decades, she was his steadfast partner and a formidable philanthropist in her own right.
1909–2011 (age 102)·American singer, entertainer, philanthropist·Birthday: May 27·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Dolores Hope lived a life in the spotlight, yet always seemed to possess a serene, grounded grace beside her famously energetic husband. A talented singer from New York, she had a successful solo career, performing with bandleaders like Shep Fields and recording for Decca Records, before meeting Bob Hope in 1933. Their marriage in 1934 created one of Hollywood's most enduring partnerships. While Bob toured the world entertaining troops, Dolores often accompanied him, singing for servicemen and providing a calming presence. Offstage, she was the family's anchor, raising their four adopted children. Her true passion, however, was philanthropy. She was a major benefactor of the Catholic Church, donating tens of millions to the Diocese of Trenton and to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. She lived to 102, outliving her husband by eight years, a beloved matriarch remembered for her voice, her faith, and her immense generosity.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Dolores was born in 1909, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dolores Was Born
The biggest hits of 1909
Dolores's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1909Born
Robert Peary claims to reach the North Pole
President: William Howard Taft
1914Started school
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Became a teenager
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1925Could drive
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1927Could vote
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1930Turned 21
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1939Turned 30
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1949Turned 40
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1959Turned 50
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1969Turned 60
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1979Turned 70
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1989Turned 80
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
2011Died at 102
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
Key Achievements
- Was a major philanthropist, donating over $50 million to Catholic causes, including a historic gift to the Diocese of Trenton.
- Had a successful early career as a big band singer, recording several solo tracks for Decca Records in the 1930s.
- Frequently accompanied Bob Hope on his USO tours to entertain American troops stationed around the world.
- Was awarded the Papal Honor of the Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great for her charitable work.
Did You Know?
She was originally named Dolores DeFina but changed her professional surname to Reade early in her singing career.
She and Bob Hope were married for 69 years, until his death in 2003.
She was a talented golfer and often played in celebrity tournaments.
She received the Congressional Gold Medal alongside her husband in 1962 for their service with the USO.
“The secret to a long life is simple: keep singing, and keep laughing.”
