Pop singer Lola Dee has died at the age of 95, her publicist confirmed.
In a statement shared by multiple media outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, publicist Alan Eichler - who is also a CD producer - delivered the news that Dee died from natural causes at a nursing facility in Hinsdale, Ill.
"Lola's voice was pure magic and her stage presence captivated audiences. She was a true pioneer in the music industry and will be deeply missed," Eichler said.
Remembering Lola Dee
Dee - born Lorraine DeAngelis - started pursuing a career in music through amateur shows when she was 9. She soon auditioned for "Junior Junction," and it opened doors for her to bigger breaks.
Also known as Lola Ameche, the late American singer signed with Mercury Records before collaborating with Columbia Records and London Records for decades. Throughout her five-year contract with the Chicago-based company, she successfully released hit songs with other musicians.
For instance, her "Pretty Eyed Baby" with Al Trace Orchestra in 1951 secured the No. 21 spot on the Billboard charts. She released more songs in the years thereafter, including "Dance Me Loose," "Ol' Man Mose," "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes," "Hitsity Hotsity," "Take Two to Tango" and "Down Yonder," to name a few.
She conquered more spotlights starting in 1965 and began touring with other artists. She released more than 20 songs throughout her career before bidding goodbye to the industry.
Dee marked her last two public appearances in 1978, performing the national anthem for the Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox. She left her career to work as an executive hotel concierge while caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
The late singer dedicated her life supporting charity works in the 1970s. She was an Honorary Chairwoman of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Foundation - Illinois chapter and provided thousands of dollars for Lou Gehrig's disease research.
Dee also owned a music publishing company and record label.
Her family has yet to release a statement regarding her passing and the details of her funeral and memorial services. She is survived by her son, Barry, whom she shared with her husband, Rudolph R. Valentino.
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