Back in 1962, Buddy Hackett, a friend of comedian and actor Bob Newhart, told Bob, “I’ve got a girl for you.” In 2019, Bob recalled the conversation in an interview with PEOPLE. He explained that Buddy said, “She’s going with another guy, but I don’t think he’s right for her, so I’m going to fix you up on a blind date. You’ll meet her and you’ll date and you’ll get married. Then you’ll have kids and you’ll call one of the kids Buddy.’ Which we did.”

That’s how Bob met Ginny. The couple got married in 1963 and stayed married for 60 years. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in January 2023.

On April 24, 2023, Bob broke the sad news that his wife has died. A statement on Twitter reads, “We lost our beloved Ginnie Quinn Newhart – Wife, Mother and Grandmother on April 23rd, 2023 after a long battle with illness. She was our rock and we miss her terribly.” Ginny was 82 years old.

In interviews through the years, when Bob or Ginny were asked about the secret for a long marriage, they both said the success was at least partly due to “laughter.” In 2022, Bob told Parade, “I think that sense of humor is very important to the longevity of a marriage.”

In 2021, Bob told CBS Sunday Morning, “There’s something about laughter in the longevity of a marriage.”

Meanwhile, Ginny told PBS in 2005, “Comedians are just fun to be with.”

Upon hearing the news of Ginny’s death, actress Julie Duffy, who worked on the show “Newhart” with Bob, posted a tribute to Ginny on Twitter. She wrote, “Funny, candid, huge heart. Gave me the best advice in everything from decorating to childbirth and children and yes, husbands. I loved her. RIP Ginnie Newhart.”

Ginny is survived by Bob as well as the couple’s four children, Rob, Tim, Jennifer and Courtney, and 10 grandchildren.

Watch the video below to learn more about Bob and Ginny’s relationship and Bob’s career.

Rest in peace.

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