Ball that is. I was wondering if anyone had any insight as to the relationship between Lucille and her brother Fred, particularly in the later years of their lives.

I know that Lucy and her brother was very close when they were young, and even when they were young adults. I know Fred Ball was Desi's road manager for much of the 1940s, and that Lucy trusted Fred to watch out over Desi and keep him away from the girls (not that it worked for either one). I also know that Fred lived a long time - into his 90s, and only passed away last year. But I've never read much about whether Lucy kept a link to her brother during the last decade or two of her own life. Did they have a falling out, or did they just grow apart, or did she just stop mentioning him?

Fred was interviewed by Lucie Arnaz for the 1991 documentary "Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie" so obviously he had contact with his niece after his sister's death. Beyond that, I'm not sure though. I've read several books about Lucy's life in the 70s and 80s, and not one of them mentions Fred Ball as being close to her at this time.

I was told by a reliable source who knew the family that they remained close until her death and that he was devestated.

Thanks for your reply. I always appreciated that Lucy was close to her family, and I couldn't imagine that she'd drifted from the brother she adored. I think people in general were very important to Lucy, and that once you were close to her, you were never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Lucy, Desi, and Fred Ball. No matter what, they were family.

You're welcome and I agree, once Lucy became fond of a person it was for life. Fred always had that special place in her heart.