LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The remaining member of The McGuire Sisters has died.
Phyllis Jean McGuire, a resident of Las Vegas since 1960, died Dec. 29 in Las Vegas, according to Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery.
A cause of death was not listed.
McGuire, 89, was preceded in death by her sister Christine (age 92) in 2018 and Dorothy, also known as Dottie, in 2012 at the age of 84.
The McGruire Sisters began performing in the 1940s in their home state of Ohio.
In the early 1950s, they traveled to New York and landed a two-month gig on a national radio show. They later became regulars on both radio and TV shows.
The sisters were signed to a record deal with Coral Records in 1952, according to Variety.
Their first big hit was “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” in 1953, followed by “Muskrat Ramble,” “Sincerely” and Something’s Gotta Give” in 1954.
Their song “Picnic” in 1956 landed them a performance for Queen Elizabeth II.
Their biggest hit was “Sugartime” in 1958.
The sisters retired from performing in 1968 although they returned to the stage in 1985 and played several major cities, including Las Vegas.
Phyllis once dated Chicago mobster Sam Giancana. Their relationship was featured in the HBO movie titled “Sugartime.” Mary-Louise Parker played McGuire. She later insisted that their relationship was strictly platonic.
Phyllis also dated former Vegas World owner Bob Stupak, who became chairman of the Stratosphere Corp.
Phyllis lived in the exclusive Rancho Circle neighborhood. Her home there has been described by others as a “mansion with a swan moat.”
Although Phyllis was married for 4 years in the 1950s, she never had any children. She is survived by a longtime companion.
