Friday, October 27, 2017

HEALTHWATCH: KEELY SMITH


It's sad to me to report, but Keely Smith - a legendary singer of the 1950s and 1960s is in failing health. Her daughter has had to take of her, and unfortunately they have hit hard times. Keely Smith is now 86. Here is the posting from their Go Fund Me page:

Dearest Friends, New & Old -

My name is Toni Prima and I am the eldest daughter of Louis Prima & Keely Smith.

My family & I desperately need your financial help and sincerely appreciate anything you can do for us.

Mother had to retire over five years ago for health reasons and I had to stop working two years ago now due to my own physical problems. I also had a bad car accident a year ago that forced me further into illness. I am now on a walker and unable to stand for very long.

I was having a blast working with the UK's great jive & swing band - The Jive Aces. I was also regularly singing with the marvelous Johnny Holiday Show in downtown Los Angeles.

Once I had to stop working and Mother had been stopped for a few years - as you can imagine all the savings went out the door. We have all gone into terrible debt and been selling things as we could.
It simply is not enough and we need help!!!

At this point we are unable to pay household bills, buy groceries & medicine, and keep our caregivers with us which is of utmost importance.

Please if you are able to help us out it will be such a blessing!!! No amount is too little - every penny is appreciated - and please share this post!!!

God Bless you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

Toni


I don't have the exact info on what is ailing Keely Smith but I believe it is a heart ailment. If you would like to give to their Go Fund Me page, you can see their info HERE.

I will keep everyone posted on any additional news...


UPDATE: Sad to report that Keely Smith has passed away. You can read more about it: HERE 

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing the dreadful news. I'm sure all fans will want to help with what they can.

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  2. Her new post mentions nothing of her Mother. I wonder why that is. If Keely is in need we can all do more, but it is odd that Toni changed the Go Fund Me post to omit any mention of her Mom. She clearly used her Mothers name for the notoriety it would get, but maybe without Keely's knowledge and/or permission. I'm skeptical about who the money is really for. That's all. That being said, I myself donated money for this because Keely has been such a great part of my musical life.

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