Earlier this year, Phyllis Diller recorded the song “Smile” with pianist Thomas Lauderdale for his band Pink Martini’s upcoming album.
After her death on Monday at the age of 95, Lauderdale decided to release Diller’s raspy cover of Charlie Chaplin‘s version of the standard in tribute to the legendary actress and comedian. He snapped this photo of the smiling star on the day they recorded it.
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“We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of the legendary Phyllis Diller,” Pink Martini, a jazz-centric “little orchestra” based in Portland, Ore., said in a statement. “Thomas had the incredible opportunity to meet her the day after our New Year’s Eve concerts in Los Angeles this year. One month later he traveled to Los Angeles to Phyllis’ house and recorded Charlie Chaplin’s ‘Smile’ in her living room.”
The group has not yet set a date for their record.
Listen to Diller’s “Smile” below:
