Tracey Davis, the daughter of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. and actress May Britt, passed away on November 2, 2020, at the age of 59. Her death was confirmed by her ex-husband Guy Garner, who told the Associated Press that she died in Franklin, Tennessee, after a short illness. The exact cause and manner of death have not been determined, but some sources suggest that COVID-19 may have played a role.
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A Complicated Relationship with Her Father
Tracey Davis was one of three children born to Sammy Davis Jr. and May Britt, who married in 1960 at a time when interracial marriages were still illegal in many states. The couple faced backlash and threats from the public and the entertainment industry for their union, which ended in divorce in 1968.
Tracey Davis grew up mostly estranged from her father, who was married to his work and often absent from her life. She did not even have his contact information and missed some of his major milestones, such as his conversion to Judaism and his battle with alcoholism. She reconnected with him as an adult, but just as they started to repair their bond, he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989.
Tracey Davis was pregnant with her first child when she learned of her father’s illness. She sat by his bedside in his final days, hoping that he would live to meet his grandson. He promised her that he would get to greet his namesake, Sam Garner, but he died on May 16, 1990, at the age of 64.
A Legacy of Love and Compassion
Tracey Davis followed in her parents’ footsteps and pursued a career in entertainment. She worked in television and advertising, as well as writing several books about her father’s life and legacy. Her first book, Sammy Davis Jr.: My Father, was published in 1996 and is being developed into a biopic by MGM, co-produced by Lena Waithe. Her second book, Sammy Davis Jr.: A Personal Journey With My Father, was released in 2014.
In her books, Tracey Davis shared her personal journey with her father, who was one of the most talented and versatile performers of all time. She also revealed how he and her mother chose love and compassion over hatred and bigotry in a hostile world. She wrote that she was grateful for everything he taught her and that he had a huge heart and a zest for life.
Tracey Davis also inherited her father’s passion for social justice and humanitarian causes. She was involved in several charities and organizations that supported children, education, health, and the arts. She was especially dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.
A Possible COVID-19 Connection
The details of Tracey Davis’ short illness and death are still unclear, but some sources have speculated that COVID-19 may have been a factor. According to People magazine, Tracey Davis died at a time when Tennessee was experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. The state reported more than 5,000 new cases and 63 deaths on November 2, the day she died.
Tracey Davis’ death also came just a few days after another celebrity daughter succumbed to COVID-19 complications. Ashley Cain’s 8-month-old daughter Azaylia Diamond Cain died on April 24 after battling a rare form of leukemia and contracting the virus. Cain shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, writing that his daughter “gained her angel wings” and that he was “broken” by the loss.
Tracey Davis’ family has not confirmed or denied any connection between her death and COVID-19. They have requested privacy and respect during this difficult time. They have also expressed their gratitude for the love and support they have received from fans and friends of Tracey Davis and Sammy Davis Jr.
Tracey Davis is survived by her four children, Montana Garner, Sam Garner, Mason Garner, and Summer Garner; her mother May Britt; and her brothers Mark Davis and Jeff Davis. She is also remembered by countless admirers of her father’s legacy and her own contributions to the world.
