Cherry Starr, widow of Packers legend Bart Starr, dies at 89

The Green Bay Packers announced the death of Cherry Starr, the widow of legendary quarterback Bart Starr, on Tuesday. Starr was 89 years old and had been married to Bart for more than 60 years at the time of his passing in 2019. Green Bay president/CEO Mark Murphy released a statement in acknowledgment of the impact Cherry had throughout her life.

“The Packers Family was deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Cherry Starr,” Murphy wrote. “She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and great sense of humor. Her generosity and support of the community, both here in Wisconsin and in Alabama, is greatly appreciated by so many.

“Cherry was particularly passionate about carrying on Bart’s legacy of supporting each new generation of quarterbacks, as Bart and then Cherry wrote letters to so many around the league. I know the players cherished those notes of encouragement. We share our most sincere condolences with Bart Jr. and the entire Starr Family.”

Cherry and Bart Starr helped co-found Rawhide Boys Ranch, a facility for at-risk and troubled boys in Wisconsin, among many other philanthropic endeavors during their lives. The duo also helped start the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, which raises funds for cancer research in honor of Bart’s late coach, Vince Lombardi.

Starrs leave lasting legacy in Wisconsin, Alabama

The couple’s son, Bart Jr., told WBAY in Green Bay that his mother passed away “fully at peace and in comfort.” He added, “The sadness of this loss will not match our gratitude for having her as part of our lives for so long.”

Rawhide Youth Services shared an obituary for Cherry Starr on Tuesday.

“Cherry Morton Starr, 89, passed away peacefully at her Birmingham home with her family and close friends at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bart Starr (2019), and her son Bret (1988). She is succeeded by her son Bart Starr, Jr. (Elaena), grandchildren Shannon (Ryan), Jenny, and Lisa, and her six great-grandchildren (Bryan, Teddy, Violet, Dillon, Skyler, and Caden). She was a figurative mother to many more.

“Originally from Ohio, she eventually moved to the South, settling in Montgomery, AL, where she attended Sidney Lanier High School. While there, she met her future husband, Bart. Although their personalities were beautifully distinct, they shared, from the beginning, a love for all of mankind and a deep commitment to treat everyone they met with the highest level of dignity and respect.

“After attending Auburn University, Cherry married Bart and resided in Tuscaloosa, where they lived until the most important chapter in her life unfolded. She moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Bart pursued a career in football.”

Read Starr’s obituary in full here.