By Keith Spera

Gia Maione Prima, the on- and off-stage partner of larger-than-life Italian-American entertainer Louis Prima for the last phase of his life and career, died Sept. 23 in Pensacola, Fla., after a lengthy illness. She was 72.

In addition to performing and recording with Mr. Prima, the exuberant, New Orleans-born singer, trumpeter, composer and Las Vegas nightlife titan, the former Ms. Maione became his fifth and final wife. She served as his caretaker after brain surgery left him in a waking coma for the last three years of his life. 

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Source: http://www.nola.com/