Ava Gardner Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony with Frank Sinatra, Jr. 11.18.2015

Ava Gardner's North Carolina Highway Historical Marker was awarded on the 25th anniversary of her death. It was dedicated on November 18, 2015 by Frank Sinatra, Jr. at the Carolina Theatre of Durham in a private ceremony following his performance of "Sinatra Sings Sinatra." During his speech, Mr. Sinatra spoke for the first time publicly about his experience with Ava in never-before-revealed story which puts much conjecture about Ava and Frank to rest, saying that she was "a great star and honest person." He also talks about how she was "absolutely maligned" and that she was misunderstood by those who didn't even know her. He explains how she understood his own situation all too well as they spent time together one night in Spain in 1964. His words about the true Ava Gardner are very touching and one of the best memories we could hope to hear about Ava. Please join us to hear about Ava in the words of Mr. Sinatra.
The marker was unveiled in a public ceremony near Ava's gravesite at Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield, North Carolina by Ava's family members and Ava's closest companion Carmen Vargas on November 20, 2015.
Special thanks to everyone who made this possible, and especially to Mr. Sinatra and Ms. Vargas.
This video is property of the Ava Gardner Trust and may not be reproduced in any medium without the permission of the estate. All rights reserved.