Jane Hansen, the fourth and final wife of the renowned composer and pianist Burt Bacharach, passed away on February 8, 2023, at the age of 94. During their marriage, Jane and Burt welcomed two children into the world: a son named Oliver and a daughter named Raleigh. This article delves into Jane Hansen’s life, her children, and her relationship with Burt Bacharach.
Who is Jane Hansen?
Jane Hansen, a former ski instructor and athlete, crossed paths with Burt Bacharach during a holiday in Aspen, Colorado, in the early 1990s. With a significant age gap of 32 years, Jane, born on December 9, 1955, was 67 years old as of 2023. Following Burt’s divorce from his third wife, lyricist Carole Bayer Sager, Jane and Burt exchanged vows in 1993. Their union proved to be Burt’s longest-lasting marriage, enduring until his passing in 2023, as reported by HITC.
Who are Oliver and Raleigh Bacharach?
Oliver and Raleigh, the offspring of Jane Hansen and Burt Bacharach, entered the world with Oliver’s birth in 1993, followed by Raleigh’s arrival in 1996. As of 2023, both are in their late twenties. Despite their lineage, they have maintained a discreet presence, opting to shun the media glare and safeguard their privacy. However, on select occasions, they have joined their parents at public functions, such as the 2015 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony, where Burt received accolades from President Barack Obama.
How was Jane Hansen’s relationship with Burt Bacharach?
Jane Hansen and Burt Bacharach cultivated a deeply affectionate and supportive bond, transcending their significant age disparity and Burt’s demanding career. Jane, Burt’s fourth wife, entered into matrimony after his prior unions with actress Paula Stewart, actress Angie Dickinson, and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. From these marriages, Burt welcomed three children: Nikki, Cristopher, and Lea. Tragically, Nikki, born to Burt and Angie Dickinson, battled Asperger’s syndrome and sadly took her own life in 2007 at the age of 40. This heartbreaking loss deeply affected Burt, yet Jane remained steadfast by his side, providing solace and strength during his time of grief.
Reflecting on his marital journey in a 2015 interview with The Telegraph, Burt expressed remorse for any pain caused by his relationships, likening the pursuit of true love to crafting the perfect record. He revealed a tenacious resolve to persevere until finding the right match. Jane proved to be the ideal companion for Burt, sharing his passion for music and offering unwavering support for his creative endeavors while respecting his need for privacy. She assumed roles of confidante and muse, contributing to their harmonious and fulfilling marriage, which endured until Burt’s passing in 2023 from natural causes.
Jane Hansen, alongside her children Oliver and Raleigh, now mourns the loss of her beloved husband and father, who leaves behind a timeless legacy of cherished songs and melodies.
