Robert Gerard Goulet
November 26, 1933 – October 30, 2007

The big-voiced baritone, died of pulmonary fibrosis on October 30, 2007 at age 73. As the Broadway community mourned the loss of Robert Goulet, the theater marquees in New York and in cities across North America were dimmed in his memory on October 31, 2007.On November 9, 2007 the day of his funeral, Las Vegas honored the late singer, actor and entertainer in an unprecedented tribute by closing the Las Vegas Strip for his funeral procession. As he took his last ride and his final bow every Las Vegas hotel-casino featured his name on their marquees saying goodbye to a man who became a legend in his own lifetime.

My epitaph shall read:
“He left them smiling!”

I was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support I received from thousands of Robert’s fans and from personal friends.

Reading the letters and emails lifted my spirit and helped soothe my broken heart.

Below I am posting a few letters from our friends, who reached out during the worst time in my life.

Life can change in instant. So hold the people you love tight each day, and tell them that you love them.

Vera Goulet

Dear Vera,

I was very sorry to learn the news of Robert’s death. I know there are no words that will ease the pain at this difficult time, and you will miss him terribly. I can tell you from experience  that in time your wonderful memories will help bring you comfort and strength. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, 

 Nancy

                (Nancy Reagan)

Dear Vera:

We will all miss Robert.

This book was given to me by Alice Walker during an emotional time in my life. I would like to share it with you in the hope you might find some solace in the gentle thoughts. Please allow those who love and care for you to support you during this difficult time.

Sending you love,

Quincy

Darling Vera:

We got the news about our beloved Robert last evening just one day after you and I spoke together.

Evie and I were shuttered by the suddenness of it, and our thoughts and deep sorrow are with you at this very sad time. We had known Robert as long as we have known you, long before you and he ever met. He was truly one-of-a-kind, always a wonderful treat to be with and the owner of one of the greatest baritone voices I will ever hear in the
theatre.

How lucky you were to find each other, and what a pair you always have been. Our most loving sympathy comes with this letter darling Vera, and I know your indisputable strength of spirit, as it has in the past,

Evie and Leslie

(Leslie Bricusse)

Dear Vera,

Dear Vera, I want you to know that my thoughts are with you and what an irreplaceable loss we all feel.

I was fortunate to have been able to work with Robert on La Cage and will always treasure our time together.
With sympathy and love.
Jerry

(Jerry Herman)

Dear Bob,

I just wanted to send you my thoughts and love at this difficult time. If there is anything I can do to make your stay in hospital comfortable and easy, tell Vera to call me. Please heal and concentrate on all those good points of your body that are vital and healthy… I am thinking of those great legs that I hope, will soon walk you out of there. I just finished writing my memoir of my early years.It’s due out early April. You are in it — and you’ll be one of the first to receive a copy.

Fondest love to you.

Always,

Jools

Dear Vera,

I am so very sorry to hear of Robert’s medical challenge. Please tell him that John Smith and daughter Amelia, my brave cancer survivor, are praying for his comfort and recovery.

Sincerely,

John L. Smith
Las Vegas Review-Journal

Dear Vera, Dearest Vera,

My heart is aching for you both. Just the thought of Robert makes me smile and to know that he has been given this health tragedy is unfathomable. Not Robert. It’s hard to imagine. You must be so very frightened. You and Robert are like Alan and I…never apart… Pals. Best friends, everything to each other. I will pray tonight to send him, and you love and energy and I will call you tomorrow. My love and my heart goes out to you both. Love,

Suzanne and Alan
(Suzanne Somers)

You were the first “star” for whom I was the opening act. It was in Framingham, MA, way back when, actually after my first appearance on the Tonight Show on January 8, 1971, and it helped to springboard my career. I want you to know that I am confident that you will be back on stage soon, and I am volunteering to be your opening act again at the same shit money you paid me the first time ($1,500), which, at that time, was a fortune. I’m sure that when you are well, I am going to regret writing this. I also want you to know that, in a tribute to your talent and your understanding of a new act who screwed up on how much time he was supposed to do on stage, I am going to continue to tell the story of this always, starting at a gig tomorrow night. Robert, I wish you everything that I would wish a loved one in my family. You were always kind and supportive of me, and I have always been a major fan of your remarkable talent, even though I hated when you lovingly punched me in the stomach. What the hell was that about anyway? I love you, Robert, always have and always will. Please get well back on stage quickly. This world can always use special talent from special people and that describes you. Thanks for that early gig. I was dead broke when I did it. Actually, I had all I was worth in life in my pocket — $3.00. Also, thanks for all your talent. What a voice!!!!!!!! Your fan and friend forever,

David Brenner