Dolores and the Hope family ask that, "While we mourn the passing of such a wonderful and remarkable man, may his friends and fans celebrate his life. A life that Bob loved and lived to the fullest."
Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dolores, sons Anthony and Kelly, daughters Linda Hope and Nora Somers and four grandchildren -- Andrew Lande, Zachary Hope, Miranda Hope-Smith and Alicia McCullagh.
At the beginning of year 2003 the Hope family asked the American public, through the media, to come to a year-long party to celebrate Bob's centennial birthday. And celebrate they did.
Starting New Year's Day with honors at the Rose Parade followed by a Super Bowl tribute, the naming of Hollywood and Vine "Bob Hope Square," television specials, awards, flags, banners and bands plus proclamations from the U.S. Senate, states and cities across the country.
And it appears the party will continue on through the end of the year. All in tribute for a man who truly embodied the "American Dream." He was an immigrant from humble beginnings, who once said of himself, "I was born in England, raised in Cleveland and educated in vaudeville." A man who had a remarkable career, a remarkable life ... and enjoyed every moment of it.
Hope's reaction to the birthday activity? According to daughter Linda, "He was all smiles. As for us," she continued, "we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, admiration and best wishes given dad by the American public."
For a man who played third billing to Siamese twins and trained seals, Bob Hope became the most recognized profile and talent in the world. And, in the entire history of show business, no individual traveled so far - so often - to entertain so many.
Hope's entertainment persona was evident in every decade of the 20th Century - from impersonating Charlie Chaplin in front of the firehouse in Cleveland in 1909 to vaudeville, stage, film and a 60-year contract with NBC for radio and television. His last TV special was in 1996.
Hope's humanitarian efforts are countless. Few have shared their talent and resources for so many important causes. But, his most indelible and endearing profile was his admiration for, and entertaining of, America's men and women in uniform at home and overseas. His annual overseas trips to lift the spirits of the nation's "finest and bravest" during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm are legend.
He was hailed by critics and fans as the "King of Comedy." When presenting Hope with the Congressional Gold Medal, President John F. Kennedy called Bob "America's most prized ambassador of goodwill throughout the world." Television, magazine, newspaper and people-polls proclaimed him the "Entertainer of the 20th Century."
The Guinness Book of Records holds Bob as the most decorated entertainer in the world. Six times he was honored by the U.S. Congress. He was most recently honored in October 1997, when Resolution 75 was unanimously passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton making Bob Hope an Honorary Veteran (the first individual so honored in the history of the United States). And, on his 99th birthday the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel at the Los Angeles Veterans cemetery was dedicated to him and to all the veterans whose lives were touched by him.
The Navy named a ship after him (the "USNS BOB HOPE) and the U.S. Air Force a C-17, named "The Spirit of Bob Hope." He was feted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences six times, including his receiving of an honorary Oscar. He was also recognized by The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with four Emmys, as well as receiving Peoples Choice Awards.
