Frances Yarborough: Life With Don Knotts & Beyond

Casey Miller 18 May 2025

Is it possible to find love and companionship at any age, defying societal expectations and conventional timelines? The remarkable story of Frances Yarborough and Don Knotts proves that love knows no boundaries, illustrating a deep connection that blossomed despite a significant age difference and ultimately culminated in a devoted marriage.

Frances Yarborough, often referred to as Francey Yarborough, is perhaps best recognized for her role as the wife of the celebrated American actor and comedian, Don Knotts. Their union, which commenced in 2002, lasted until Knotts's passing in 2006. Yarborough was Knotts's third and final wife, standing by him with unwavering support throughout their years together. While her marriage to the iconic comedian brought her into the public eye, Frances Yarborough's own life story is one of resilience and diverse experiences. She had a career as a production assistant and even a brief stint as an actress, showcasing a multifaceted personality that extended beyond her role as a spouse to a famous figure.

The initial encounter between Frances Yarborough and Don Knotts occurred in the late 1980s. At the time, Frances was in her twenties, while Don was in his sixties. Despite the age gap of approximately 30 years, their connection deepened over time, eventually leading to their marriage in 2002. The couple remained devoted to each other until Don Knotts's death in 2006. Frances Yarborough's commitment to Knotts during his final years, particularly as he battled lung cancer, underscores the depth of their bond and her unwavering support as his wife. Following Don Knotts's death, Frances has maintained a private life, away from the media spotlight, cherishing the memories of their time together.

Category	Information
Full Name	Frances Yarborough (also known as Francey Yarborough)
Birthdate	August 25, 1962 (Age 62)
Birthplace	Oconee County, Georgia, United States
Nationality	American
Parents	Cecil Yarborough (father), Emmie Tippet Yarborough (mother)
Siblings	Jean Yarborough (sister)
Marital Status	Widowed (married to Don Knotts from 2002-2006)
Spouse	Don Knotts (m. 2002-2006)
Children	Inez Yarborough Vanderburg, Francey Yarborough, Leverett Yarborough, Sophie Yarborough de Vise (Note: These are Frances Yarborough's siblings' children, not her own.)
Grandchildren	Grace Vanderburg, Rose Vanderburg, Madeleine de Vise, Donovan de Vise (Note: These are Frances Yarborough's siblings' grandchildren, not her own.)
Occupation	Former Production Assistant, Actress
Acting Roles	Appeared in "The Electric Chair" (1976)
Known For	Being the wife of the late actor and comedian, Don Knotts
Residence	Previously included Washington D.C., currently residing in Rockville, MD (as per public records)
First Meeting with Don Knotts	Late 1980s
Age Difference with Don Knotts	Approximately 30 years