The Two Worlds Of Bing Crosby's Children: Tragedy, Legacy, And The Shocking Truth Behind The Memoir

Few Hollywood legends cast a shadow as long and complex as Bing Crosby. The voice of "White Christmas" and the epitome of laid-back charm, his public persona as the ultimate "Good Guy" was severely tested by revelations from his own children, creating a stark contrast between his on-screen image and his private life. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the narrative surrounding the seven Crosby children remains a compelling, often tragic, story of two distinct families, a controversial memoir, and an enduring, if complicated, legacy.

The story of Bing Crosby's family is fundamentally a tale of two marriages, producing seven children—four from his first wife, Dixie Lee, and three from his second, Kathryn Grant. This division created two very different experiences of growing up a Crosby, with one family's story becoming synonymous with tragedy and the other with the preservation of the beloved crooner's iconic image.

The Complete Family Tree: Bing Crosby's Wives and Seven Children

Bing Crosby married twice and fathered seven children, all of whom, to varying degrees, navigated the complexities of life under the scrutiny of a global superstar. The contrast between the children of his first marriage and his second is a central theme in the Crosby family history.

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• Wife 1: Dixie Lee (m. 1930–1952)
  • Gary Crosby (1933–1995): Eldest son, singer, and actor. He became famous for his controversial 1983 memoir, Going My Own Way, which detailed allegations of physical and emotional abuse by his father.
  • Dennis Crosby (1934–1991): Twin brother of Phillip. He was a singer and a member of "The Crosby Boys" with his brothers. He died by suicide in 1991.
  • Phillip Crosby (1934–2004): Twin brother of Dennis. Also a singer and actor. He publicly disputed his brother Gary's claims of abuse, though he acknowledged Bing was a strict disciplinarian.
  • Lindsay Crosby (1938–1989): Youngest son from the first marriage. He was also a singer and actor. He struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues, dying by suicide in 1989 after learning his inheritance income was ending.
• Wife 2: Kathryn Grant (m. 1957–1977)
  • Harry Lillis Crosby III (b. 1958): Known professionally as Harry Crosby, he is a former investment banker and has worked in the music industry.
  • Mary Frances Crosby (b. 1959): The only daughter, a successful actress best known for playing Kristin Shepard on the television series Dallas.
  • Nathaniel Crosby (b. 1961): A professional golfer and the winner of the 1981 U.S. Amateur. He later became a golf executive.

The Dark Side of Fame: The 'Going My Own Way' Controversy

The public perception of Bing Crosby as the quintessential, loving father was shattered in 1983 with the publication of Going My Own Way, the memoir by his eldest son, Gary Crosby.

Gary's book painted a portrait of a cruel, physically abusive, and emotionally distant father who ruled his household with an iron fist and a leather-strapped belt. The allegations included accounts of corporal punishment for poor grades and public humiliation. This narrative created a seismic shift in how the public viewed the beloved crooner.

The family response was immediately split. Phillip Crosby, Gary's twin, publicly denied the most severe claims of abuse, although he did confirm that his father was a very strict disciplinarian. Phillip stated that Bing was "a good father" and that the punishment was simply the accepted form of discipline at the time. This division highlighted the different perspectives and deep emotional scars within the first family.

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The tragic lives of the four sons from the first marriage—Gary, Dennis, Phillip, and Lindsay—have often been linked to this troubled upbringing. All four struggled with alcoholism, and two, Dennis and Lindsay, died by suicide. The narrative of a "troubled first family" versus a "happier second family" is a recurring and sombre theme in the Crosby legacy.

The Second Family: Carrying the Crosby Name Today

In contrast to the turmoil of the first family, the children from Bing's second marriage to actress Kathryn Grant have largely focused on preserving their father's positive legacy and forging their own successful careers.

Mary Crosby: Actress and Defender of the Legacy

Bing’s only daughter, Mary Crosby, has had a notable career as an actress, famously playing Kristin Shepard on the iconic show Dallas, the character who shot J.R. Ewing.

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In recent years, Mary has been an active voice in celebrating her father's life and defending his memory against the accusations raised in Gary's book. She has spoken admirably about her father, recalling a happy childhood and emphasizing his Irish roots and heritage. Mary is often involved in events honoring her father's career, such as those in his hometown of Spokane, demonstrating her commitment to his legacy.

Her public statements and continued work in the entertainment industry show a family member actively working to balance the historical record, acknowledging her father's complexity while focusing on his immense contribution to American culture.

Harry and Nathaniel: Success in Finance, Golf, and Music

The two youngest sons also pursued paths outside the shadow of their father’s singing career, though the arts remain a part of their lives.

Harry Lillis Crosby III, named after his father, became a successful investment banker, though he has also been involved in music and film production. His career choice reflects a deliberate move away from the intense spotlight that consumed his older half-brothers.

Nathaniel Crosby, the youngest, made a name for himself in the world of professional golf, winning the U.S. Amateur in 1981 and later transitioning into a career as a golf executive. His focus on sports provided a different kind of public life, separate from the entertainment industry’s pressures.

The Enduring Legacy of the Grandchildren

Perhaps the most current and heartwarming aspect of the Crosby family story is the way the third generation is keeping the tradition alive. Bing Crosby's grandchildren, including Harry's son Nicholas, have maintained a touching yearly tradition: performing their grandfather’s signature song, "White Christmas," during the holiday season.

This generational continuity ensures that the name "Crosby" remains synonymous with the festive spirit and the golden age of American music. While the family's history is undeniably marked by deep sorrow and controversy, the current generation's efforts to honor the positive elements of Bing Crosby's life serve as a powerful testament to the enduring, albeit complicated, nature of his legacy.

The story of Bing Crosby's seven children is a powerful reminder that behind the velvet curtain of stardom, even the most beloved figures often live lives of profound complexity. The contrasting lives of the two families offer a compelling study in how fame, wealth, and parenting can create vastly different outcomes for a single, famous lineage.