Claudine Longet, 84, Dies: A Life Marked by Music and a 1976 Murder Trial

On May 14, 2026, nephew Bryan Longet announced Claudine Longet’s death at age 84 via a social-media post. No cause of death was disclosed. Longet was born in Paris on January 29, 1942, and spent her later years in Aspen, Colorado, and Hawaii.

KSAZ - Fox 10 Phoenix

Longet began as the lead dancer in the Folies Bergère revue at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas in 1960. That year she met singer-entertainer Andy Williams; they married on December 15, 1961 and had three children—Christian, Bobby and Noelle. She appeared regularly on *The Andy Williams Show* and its holiday specials, guest-starred on series such as *McHale’s Navy* and *Combat!*, and recorded seven albums, including the gold-certified debut *Claudine* (1967) and the hit “Love Is Blue” (1968). Her film work included a role opposite Peter Sellers in Blake Edwards’ *The Party* (1968).

Deadline Hollywood

After divorcing Williams in January 1975, Longet lived with Olympic skier Vladimir “Spider” Sabich in a Starwood chalet near Aspen. On March 21, 1976, she shot Sabich in the bathroom with a .22-caliber German-made pistol that Sabich’s father had purchased. Longet testified that the gun discharged accidentally while Sabich demonstrated its operation. Sabich died en route to the hospital from a single abdominal wound.

People Magazine

Longet was charged with reckless manslaughter in April 1976. A jury in Aspen convicted her of criminally negligent homicide in January 1977 after four days of testimony and 3½ hours of deliberation. The court imposed two years’ probation, a $250 fine, and a 30-day jail sentence, which she served on dates of her choosing, often weekends. Andy Williams escorted her to and from the courthouse, financed her defense, and testified on her behalf. Sabich’s parents filed a $1.3 million civil suit; the parties settled out of court with a confidentiality provision prohibiting Longet from discussing the case.

KSAZ - Fox 10 PhoenixHollywood ReporterVariety Magazine

The trial attracted worldwide media attention and prompted criticism that the sentence was unusually lenient for a homicide, a view expressed in commentary highlighting disparities linked to wealth and celebrity. Popular culture reflected the controversy: an April 1976 *Saturday Night Live* sketch titled “The Claudine Longet Invitational Ski Championship” satirized the incident, leading to an on-air apology from announcer Don Pardo. The Rolling Stones recorded a song “Claudine” for their 1978 album *Some Girls*; the track remained unreleased until a 2011 deluxe reissue.

Billboard

Sources differ on the firearm description—some label it a Luger pistol, others a .22-caliber German-made gun—though both refer to the same weapon. One source reports that Sabich intended to ask Longet to leave the chalet; other accounts do not mention this. The cause of Longet’s death remains undisclosed.

People Magazine

• “Even though she is no longer physically with us, her light, elegance, talent and kindness will continue to live on through the memories, music, photos and love she leaves behind…As many of you know, Claudine was not only an icon to me — she was also my aunt, and someone incredibly special in my life. Since I was a little boy, I always told her that I would remain her number one fan, and that will never change.” — Bryan Longet, nephew

Deadline Hollywood

• “You have been a true inspiration in my life and you will always be,” — Bryan Longet, nephew

Associated Press

• “I thought it was unfair, I thought she was innocent, I thought it was an accident,” — Andy Williams, former husband

Associated Press

• “Because of the many cards and letters I’ve received, the prayers, I feel very good about everybody,” — Claudine Longet, post-sentencing interview

Hollywood Reporter

• “Spider and [I] loved each other very much,” — Claudine Longet, trial testimony

People Magazine

• “It is desirable to correct any misunderstanding that a suggestion was made that, in fact, a crime had been committed. The satire was fictitious and its intent only humorous. This is a statement of apology if the material was misinterpreted.” — Don Pardo, *SNL* apology

Deadline Hollywood

Longet’s estate has not released details regarding her passing. The 1976 shooting continues to be cited in discussions of celebrity influence on the criminal-justice system.

KSAZ - Fox 10 Phoenix