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Claudine Longet, Andy Williams’ Ex-Wife, Dies at 84

5/15/2026

Summary

Claudine Longet Dies

Claudine Longet died at 84 on May 14, 2026 in the United States, Bryan Longet said.
Born Jan. 29, 1942 in Paris, she married singer Andy Williams in Dec. 1961 and divorced in Jan. 1975.
On March 21, 1976 in Aspen, Colorado, she shot skier Vladimir “Spider” Sabich, claiming accident.
A Jan. 1977 jury convicted her of negligent homicide, sentencing $250 fine and 30 days jail.
The case inspired an April 24, 1976 SNL sketch and an unreleased Rolling Stones song “Claudine.”

Summary

Claudine Longet Silenced

The Sabich family filed a $1.3 million civil lawsuit against Longet in 1977, which settled out of court with a gag order.
The settlement barred Longet from speaking publicly about Sabich or the trial, effectively silencing her in media interviews.
After the agreement, Longet married defense attorney Ron Austin, moved to Aspen, and withdrew from the entertainment industry, staying out of the public eye.

Summary

Claudine Longet Legacy

Saturday Night Live spoofed April 1976 with a “Claudine Longet Invitational” ski event, prompting an apology.
Her 1967 debut album *Claudine* sold million copies, spawned three releases, and led to her 1968 performance with Peter Sellers in the film *The Party*.
Longet and Williams, friends of Robert F. Kennedy, attended his funeral and named son Bobby after him, married Ronald Austin in 1985 and moved to Hawaii, spending final years there.

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Claudine Longet Dies

Claudine Longet died at 84 on May 14, 2026 in the United States, Bryan Longet said.
Born Jan. 29, 1942 in Paris, she married singer Andy Williams in Dec. 1961 and divorced in Jan. 1975.
On March 21, 1976 in Aspen, Colorado, she shot skier Vladimir “Spider” Sabich, claiming accident.
A Jan. 1977 jury convicted her of negligent homicide, sentencing $250 fine and 30 days jail.
The case inspired an April 24, 1976 SNL sketch and an unreleased Rolling Stones song “Claudine.”

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