To Be Broadcast Tuesday, April 09, 2013

New York, NY—April 9, 2013—INSIDE EDITION has gone inside the home of Frankie Avalon, who worked closely withactress and singer Annette Funicello, who passed away Monday due to complications from multiple sclerosis.

His home movie theater is adorned with posters of their famous “Beach Party” films, and it was their 1987 reunion film, “Back to the Beach” where Funicello first showed the signs of the disease that would ultimately take her life. Avalon tells INSIDE EDITION how truly devastating the effects were.

AVALON: “For at least the past six, seven years, she was without communication. It was a terrible existence.”

The one-time teen idol remembers his friend fondly to INSIDE EDITION, and remarks that she’s in a better place.

AVALON: “It makes me smile to know that she’s up there dancing and singing and having a good time.”

INSIDE EDITION is produced daily by Inside Edition Inc. and distributed by CBS Television Distribution. Check local listings for stations and times at www.insideedition.com.