Dean Martin’s Loyalty: The Reason He Skipped JFK’s Inauguration Revealed

In a remarkable display of loyalty, Dean Martin made the decision to skip John F. Kennedy's 1961 inauguration.

The reason?

His close friend and fellow Rat Pack member, Sammy Davis Jr., was not invited.

The controversy stemmed from Davis' interracial marriage to white actress May Britt in 1960.

According to Davis' 1989 book “Why Me?

“, co-written with his friends, the new president asked him and Britt to stay away from the inauguration out of fear that it would anger Southern conservatives.

This story is now the subject of a new documentary titled “Dean Martin: King of Cool,” which will premiere on Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

The film delves into Martin's life, featuring previously unseen archival footage and interviews with family members, friends, and celebrity fans.

Directed by Tom Donahue and supported by Martin's daughter, Deana Martin, the documentary explores the deep bond between Martin and Davis.

Donahue revealed that it was Martin who stood up for Davis and refused to attend the inauguration without him.

This act of honor deeply impressed the director, who grew to love and admire Martin more as he got to know him better.

Deana Martin, now 73, shared her father's reaction to the news about Davis.

He was astounded and felt deeply for his friend.

Davis was like family to them, and it was unacceptable that he was excluded from such an important event.

Martin made it clear that he would not attend either, regardless of what JFK or anyone else thought of him.

Martin's influence extended beyond his personal relationships.

He inspired many artists, including the king of rock ‘n' roll himself, Elvis Presley.

Presley idolized Martin and considered him the “king of cool.”

Presley's devotion to Martin never wavered, even as he achieved his own fame.

One anecdote shared in the documentary recounts how Presley once ran towards Martin while he was playing golf, screaming his name and waving.

Despite his status as a star, Martin was a family man at heart.

Deana reminisced about the parties they would throw at their home, recalling how her father would call the Beverly Hills Police to complain about the noise.

On her 18th birthday, he even called the cops on their own party.

Martin had a mischievous side, often embarrassing his children with his antics.

He loved making jokes and never took himself too seriously.

The documentary paints a comprehensive picture of Martin's life, from his playboy image to his role as a proud father of eight.

It reveals that behind the persona of a notorious drinker, Martin actually preferred apple juice.

And through it all, he knew he had a gift for music and entertained audiences with his incredible voice.

Martin's life was filled with triumphs and personal tragedies, ultimately coming to an end on Christmas Day in 1995 when he was 78 years old.

But above all else, this story is about family.

Deana emphasized that family always came first for her father, no matter how much success he achieved.

This aspect of his life is often overlooked, but it meant everything to him.

The loss of Dean Martin is still deeply felt by Deana, who misses him every single day.

Don't miss the premiere of “Dean Martin: King of Cool” on TCM this Friday at 8 p.m.