Direct answer
No, Arnold Palmer’s wife is not still alive. Winnie Palmer (born Winnie Frances Earling) died on March 24, 2019, at age 91. She had been in declining health for several years and passed away at the couple’s home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, surrounded by family. This status clarification is based on contemporaneous obituaries from trusted outlets and official statements from the Palmer family and Arnie’s foundation.
Who was Winnie Palmer
Winnie Palmer was married to Arnold Palmer for 64 years, from 1954 until her death in 2019. Born on January 12, 1927, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, she was a steady presence through every phase of his career, from his U.S. Navy service to becoming one of golf’s most recognizable global figures. Known for her discretion and grace, she supported his professional endeavors while raising their children: daughter Amy Purdy and sons Arnold Palmer Jr. and Winn Jr.
Timeline of health and final days
In the years leading to 2019, Winnie Palmer’s health gradually deteriorated. By late 2018, reports indicated she required around-the-clock care, and the family made the decision to provide comfort-focused care at home. She died on March 24, 2019. The family released a brief statement noting her peaceful passing and thanking caregivers. No exact medical diagnosis was disclosed publicly beyond general references to age-related decline.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Winnie Frances Palmer (née Earling) | Obituary, formal family statement |
| Birth date | January 12, 1927 | Public records and obituary |
| Date of death | March 24, 2019 | News obituaries and family notice |
| Age at death | 91 years old | Published obituaries |
| Place of death | Pinkham residence, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida | Family and local obituary reporting |
| Marriage years | 1954–2019 | Biographical summaries and obituaries |
Winnie vs. other figures in Arnold Palmer’s life
It is common to confuse Winnie Palmer with Arnold Palmer’s later-life spouse, the much younger Dottie Warner, whom he married in 2019 after Winnie’s death. That marriage occurred months after Winnie died and was part of Arnold’s private circle in his final years. There is no public engagement or business partnership of note between Dottie Warner and Winnie Palmer; they were not contemporaries in the shared household, which helps clarify status and relationship questions.
Arnold Palmer’s own health and passing
Arnold Palmer died on September 25, 2016, at age 87, due to complications from heart surgery. His death preceded Winnie’s by nearly three years, confirming that she outlived him. Both were laid to rest together at the Arnold Palmer Conference Center and Memorial Garden near the Latrobe Country Club, creating a clear and documented final resting place that is often cited in status-related inquiries.
Public statements and legacy context
After Winnie’s death, the Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation and Palmer family acknowledged her role as the matriarch who helped shape the culture around The Arnie Circle events. Tributes noted her consistent support, particularly for children’s health programs in the Palm Beach area. She maintained a low public profile but was frequently referenced in interviews about the stability and longevity of the Palmer marriage.
Why misinformation persists
Confusion arises because Arnold Palmer remained professionally active into his 80s and public appearances in later years often showed a younger narrative. Additionally, the timing of his marriage to Dottie Warner in 2019 created ambiguity among casual followers. Some sources conflated his later spouse with Winnie, leading to ongoing questions about her status. Reliable status checks rely on primary sources such as certified death records and statements from the family foundation rather than rumor or summary articles.