Who Was Frances Yarborough, Don Knotts’ Loving Wife?

Have you ever heard of Frances Yarborough? She wasn’t a movie star or a big name in Hollywood, but her life tells a quiet and touching story. She was the third wife of actor Don Knotts, the man behind the funny and lovable Deputy Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show.

Their love story wasn’t flashy. It was calm, deep, and full of care. Frances stood by Don during the most important years of his life — his final ones. Many people still wonder who she really was, how they met, and what their life was like behind the scenes.

In this article, we’ll walk through Frances Yarborough’s life — from her early days in Georgia to her days as Don Knotts’ wife. Let’s begin at the beginning.

Frances Yarborough Quick Bio

Frances Yarborough’s Early Life and Family

Frances Yarborough was born in Oconee County, Georgia, likely in the 1960s. She grew up in a quiet Southern town where family, faith, and community were important.

Her father, Donald Howard Yarborough, was a well-respected man. He served as a Marine Corps officer during World War II and later became a lawyer who stood up for equal rights. He even ran for Governor of Texas in 1962, supporting President John F. Kennedy and fighting for justice during a time when few others dared to. He passed away from Parkinson’s disease in 2009.

Frances’ mother was Charity O’Connell Yarborough, and she had a sister named Jean Yarborough. Frances also had several half-siblings from her father’s side, including Leverett, Inez, and Danny Yarborough, among others. Her family history was filled with strength, service, and a sense of doing the right thing.

The Simple Childhood of Frances Yarborough

Growing up in Georgia, Frances lived a peaceful and simple life. Her childhood was not about fame or bright lights — it was about love, laughter, and close family bonds.

She and her sister Jean were close. Life in a small Southern town in the mid-1900s meant playing outside, enjoying family dinners, and growing up with strong values. There’s not much public information about her school days, but those who knew her said she was kind, respectful, and easy to talk to.

Frances wasn’t someone who chased attention. Even as a child, she enjoyed calm moments, meaningful conversations, and helping others when she could.

Frances Yarborough’s Work Before Fame

Before anyone knew her as Don Knotts’ wife, Frances had a regular working life. She became an executive secretary, which means she helped organize office tasks, handle schedules, and work behind the scenes in a professional setting.

She didn’t seek out the spotlight. She was more comfortable staying in the background and doing her job well. At one point, her work brought her into the world of TV production. This is where her life would change forever.

Her quiet work in television introduced her to important people — and one of those people was the famous actor Don Knotts.

Frances Yarborough’s Small Role in Acting

Although she wasn’t a full-time actress, Frances did step into the acting world once. In 1976, she appeared in a small role in a crime film called The Electric Chair. She played a jury member in the movie, which featured other actors like Don Cummins and Nita Patterson.

It wasn’t a big movie, and Frances didn’t try to become a Hollywood star after that. But it showed that she was open to trying new things — even standing in front of the camera.

Later, she also appeared in one of Don Knotts’ stage plays, playing a funny role as a “hippie wife” who dreamed of being an actress. That moment wasn’t about fame. It was about sharing something creative and lighthearted with the man she loved.

How Frances Yarborough Met Don Knotts

Frances and Don Knotts met in a very simple way — while working on a TV show in the late 1980s. The show was called What a Country!, and Frances worked as a production assistant. Don was part of the show’s cast, and Frances helped out behind the scenes.

At first, she just helped Don memorize his lines, but their conversations started to grow. They shared jokes, life stories, and a sense of comfort that brought them closer.

Don once said that Frances was a “kind-hearted and beautiful actress” who came to Hollywood to try improv comedy. Their bond wasn’t fast or forced. It was natural — built slowly over time, like a deep friendship that quietly turned into love.

Frances Yarborough and Don Knotts’ Love Story

Their love story was unique — not your usual Hollywood romance.

When they met, Frances was in her 20s, and Don was already in his 50s. That’s a big age gap, and some people thought it was odd. But Frances and Don didn’t care about what others thought. They cared about how they felt with each other.

Frances once said, “We just kept talking and talking.” She came from a lively and emotional family, while Don came from a more serious and troubled past. But somehow, they balanced each other perfectly.

They started going out to dinner, spending time at Don’s home, and laughing together. It was a quiet love — not dramatic, not for attention — just real.

Becoming Don Knotts’ Wife

After many years of being close, Frances and Don got married in 2002. It was a small and simple wedding — no red carpets or press coverage. Just two people who cared deeply for one another.

Frances became Don Knotts’ third wife, and many people close to them said she was his most peaceful and happiest love.

They didn’t have children together, but that didn’t matter. What they had was true partnership — one that was steady, calm, and full of respect. They lived in Century City, Los Angeles, away from the chaos of fame, and spent their days quietly, side by side.

Life with Don Knotts Before His Death

After they got married in 2002, Frances Yarborough and Don Knotts lived together in Century City, Los Angeles. It was a quiet and simple life. Even though Don was a famous TV star, their home was peaceful, with no big Hollywood drama.

Frances was more than just a wife — she became Don’s strongest support. Don was getting older and dealing with health problems. He had macular degeneration, which made it hard for him to see. He also had hypochondria, which made him worry about his health all the time. Later, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Even with all that, Don kept acting. He told Frances not to tell anyone about his sickness — not even his children or his best friend, Andy Griffith. He believed that if people found out, he would stop getting roles. Frances honored that promise and kept his health struggles private. That shows how much she respected and protected him.

The Day Don Knotts Passed Away

On February 24, 2006, Don Knotts passed away at the age of 81. It was a quiet Friday night. Frances was right there beside him. His daughter Karen Knotts and son Tom Knotts were also present.

Before he died, Don made it clear that he did not want to be kept alive by machines. Frances and the doctors followed his wishes. He passed from complications caused by pneumonia and lung cancer.

Don’s funeral was held at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, where many other famous stars like Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin are also buried. Frances left a message for his headstone that said Don had a rare gift — the ability to see people’s pain and turn it into warm, honest laughter. That’s how deeply she understood him.

What Happened to Frances Yarborough After Don’s Death

After Don passed away, Frances Yarborough stepped away from the public eye. She didn’t give interviews or appear on TV. She didn’t try to write books or share personal stories for attention. Instead, she lived a very private life.

She stayed in Los Angeles and focused on healing. Many believe she spent her time with family, keeping things simple just like she always had. Frances never remarried. She remained loyal to Don’s memory until the end of her life.

On October 28, 2013, Frances Yarborough died from natural causes. She was around 70–75 years old, though her exact birth year is still debated. Her passing didn’t make big headlines, but many fans of Don Knotts remembered her quietly — the woman who stood by his side when it mattered most.

Did Frances Yarborough Inherit Don Knotts’ Fortune?

When Don Knotts died, his net worth was estimated at $20 million. He had been a successful actor for decades, starring in hit shows like The Andy Griffith Show, Three’s Company, and more. He also made money from voice roles and comedy films.

But what happened to all that money? The truth is — we don’t know for sure. The family never made Don’s will public. They kept everything private, just as Don would’ve liked.

Most people believe that Frances Yarborough, as his wife, likely inherited a big part of his estate. Her personal net worth was estimated at around $1 million, but she probably lived comfortably with the money Don left behind. Still, she never talked about it, and she never used his name to gain anything.

Frances Yarborough’s Legacy as Don Knotts’ Wife

Frances Yarborough may not have been a celebrity, but her life left a strong impression. She was the quiet partner behind one of TV’s biggest comedy legends. Her love story with Don Knotts was unusual — with a large age gap and little public attention — but it was real, caring, and strong.

Frances didn’t chase fame. She didn’t need to. Her legacy lives in the way she loved Don, the way she stood by him through illness, and the way she kept his wishes safe. That kind of loyalty is rare.

Even now, in 2026, fans still ask: “Who was Frances Yarborough, Don Knotts’ wife?” The answer is simple — she was his peace, his strength, and his quiet joy in the final chapter of his life.

Final Thoughts

Frances Yarborough reminds us that you don’t have to be loud to be important. You don’t need fame to be remembered. Her life was full of quiet moments, gentle support, and deep loyalty.

She stood by Don Knotts during his hardest times and gave him love when he needed it most. That kind of love is powerful. It’s rare. And it matters.

So, who was Frances Yarborough? She was a secretary, a part-time actress, and most importantly, the loving wife of Don Knotts — a woman whose simple life left a big impact on one of America’s most beloved stars.

(FAQs)

How old was Frances Yarborough when she died?

Frances Yarborough was likely born in the 1960s. When she died in 2013, she was around 70 to 75 years old — but her real age was never confirmed.

Was Frances Yarborough really Don Knotts’ wife?

Yes! Frances Yarborough was Don Knotts’ third and last wife. They got married in 2002, and she stayed with him until he passed away in 2006.

Did Frances Yarborough act in movies?

She acted in just one movie called The Electric Chair in 1976. She played a jury member. After that, she never acted again.

How much money did Frances Yarborough have?

Her net worth was about $1 million, but she likely inherited a big part of Don Knotts’ $20 million after he died. The full amount was never made public.

Where is Frances Yarborough now?

Frances Yarborough passed away in 2013 from natural causes. She lived a quiet life in Los Angeles and stayed out of the spotlight after Don’s death.

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