Pat Boone, the legendary singer, and actor, has recently made a confession that has tugged at the heartstrings of fans around the world. At the ripe age of 88, Boone declares that his late wife, Shirley, was the love of his life. The couple marry for over 65 years, and Shirley’s passing in 2019 has left a profound void in Boone’s life.
Boone, known for his smooth voice and boy-next-door charm, rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like “Love Letters in the Sand” and “April Love.” He became a heartthrob for millions of fans and was one of the top-selling artists of his time. Despite his success, Boone always maintained a strong connection with his family and his faith. His relationship with Shirley was a testament to his devotion and commitment, and their love story has touched the hearts of many.
In addition to discussing his love for Shirley, Boone has also shared stories about his long friendship with Elvis Presley. Both singers were rising stars in the 1950s, and their paths crossed frequently in Hollywood and on the music scene. Boone has fond memories of their time together and has even credited Elvis with helping him launch his own career.
But while Boone’s friendship with Elvis was important to him, it’s clear that his love for Shirley was the most significant relationship of his life. Join us as we discuss how Boone’s relationship with his late wife helped mold him into the man that he is today.
FactsVerse Presents: She Was the Love of My Life’, at 88 Pat Boone Confesses Out Loud
A Long-Lasting Love Story
Pat Boone, the well-known pop singer of the 1950s and 60s, shared a special bond with his wife, Shirley Boone, for over six decades. Despite Shirley’s passing, Pat tries to carry on with his life, pursuing his interests like golf and spending time with his daughters.
The couple’s love story began when they were teenagers, and their romance blossomed quickly. Pat determines to marry Shirley, so he asks her father, Ted Foley, for his approval. Foley, a famous country singer, moves by Pat’s request, gave him his blessing, and asked him to take care of his daughter. The couple subsequently eloped in 1953 and settled in Teaneck, New Jersey, where they raised their four children.
Throughout their marriage, Pat and Shirley supported each other’s careers. Pat managed to graduate cum laude from Columbia University while pursuing his music career, and Shirley was a philanthropist and author. Not only did they encourage each other in their professional pursuits, but Pat and Shirley also always did their best to lift each other up spiritually and emotionally.
Pat Boone and Elvis Presley
While pursuing his singing career, Pat Boone reached immense popularity and rivaled legendary musician Elvis Presley on the charts. Meanwhile, Shirley focused on raising their children as they moved to Beverly Hills, where they resided for 50 years and watched their family grow with 16 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. In an effort to keep their marriage exciting, the couple went on multiple honeymoons even after being together for over six decades.
Pat recently reflected on their relationship in interviews and shared that Shirley found the most joy in being a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother, and bringing harmony to their home. Despite being a homemaker for the majority of her life, Shirley was also a successful recording artist, best-selling author, TV host, and humanitarian.
While their marriage was not without flaws, Pat credited their commitment to each other and their faith as the foundation of their long-lasting relationship. In times of hardship, they held onto their promises to each other and to God. “You make your commitments to God and each other, and in trouble times, you hang on to the commitment to God and your kids,” Pat quotes as saying.
Grandpa To 16
Sadly, Pat Boone’s wife Shirley passed away at the age of 84 in 2019, leaving her husband to live alone in their Beverly Hills residence. Adjusting to life without his lifelong partner has been difficult, and Pat admits he still misses Shirley dearly. He now shares his home with his dog and housekeeper, but despite the loss, he claims to be doing well.
Shirley not only impacted her husband but she also instilled important life lessons in their children. Recognizing their interest in the entertainment industry, she advised them to listen to their Grammy-winning father, who emphasized the importance of being authentic in one’s performances, making both the artist and audience comfortable.
Pat’s daughter Debby shared that her parents always insisted on treating everyone that they met as if they were guests in their home, and her father’s actions back up his words. At 88 years old, Pat still looks sharp and active, as evidenced by a recent social media photo of him playing golf in a snazzy outfit consisting of a yellow cardigan, black checkered shorts, black socks, white sneakers, and a white cap. Fans thrills to see the pop singer still looking great and signaled their ongoing support by leaving positive comments.
Despite the family’s loss, Pat has remained close to his children. In celebration of his 88th birthday, his daughters Debby and Linda took him out for dinner, with Pat happily posing with his arms around his daughters in another adorable photo posted on Instagram.
What Matters Most
As Pat Boone has reflected on his 66-year marriage to his late wife Shirley, he remains amazed at how far they came. Despite facing challenges along the way, such as the toll that having four children took on Shirley’s body, their commitment to each other never wavered.
Boone has always understood the importance of marriage and family and has made it a priority in his life. Additionally, he values staying active both physically and mentally, as evidenced by his love for golf and dedication to maintaining a sharp appearance. Boone’s dedication to these values has helped him lead a fulfilling life even after the loss of his beloved wife.
Bestie’s With Elvis
In the 1950s, Pat Boone and Elvis Presley were two of the most popular musicians in America. They both had a love for African American music, but they approached it in different ways. While Elvis embraced the raw, uninhibited energy of rock and roll, Boone sang in a more polished, mainstream style that was very palatable to white audiences.
Their paths crossed for the first time at a sock hop in Cleveland, Ohio, in October 1955. The event hosts by DJ Bill Randle, who had invited the then up-and-coming Elvis to perform. Pat Boone was also in attendance and was impressed by Elvis’s raw talent although he thought that he could stand to take a few pointers. In fact, Boone would later describe Elvis as being “spiritually starved” and in need of guidance.
Pat Boone and Elvis Presley In 1950s
Despite their different styles, Pat Boone and Elvis Presley both dominated the music charts in the 1950s. From 1955 to 1959, Boone had an incredible 41 hit records on the pop charts, just one more than Elvis’s 40. However, despite the intense competition, the two musicians held a deep admiration for each other’s work and soon developed a lasting friendship.
Elvis’s influence on Pat Boone’s music was significant. In fact, Boone recorded several songs that had originally been performed by Elvis, including “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Love Me Tender”. Boone was often criticized for “whitewashing” Elvis’s music, but he maintained that he was simply presenting it in a way that was more palatable to a mainstream audience.
When Elvis passed away in 1977, Pat Boone was devastated. He considered Elvis to be a close friend and said that he felt like he had lost a brother. Boone went on to pay tribute to Elvis in various ways, including recording a tribute album and even writing a book about their friendship.
Despite their different approaches to music and their intense competition in the charts, Pat Boone and Elvis Presley shared a deep respect for each other. Their friendship was a testament to the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their differences.
A Legacy That Will Never Die
Pat Boone is an iconic figure in American music, with a career spanning over six decades. As we already noted, he was a chart-topping artist in the 1950s and 60s, and his music remains popular to this day.
But Boone’s legacy extends far beyond his music. He was also a successful actor, with numerous appearances in film and television. In fact, he was one of the biggest box office draws of the 1950s, starring in movies like “April Love” and “State Fair”.
Throughout his career, Boone remained true to his conservative Christian values, even in the face of criticism from those who found his views outdated. He was a vocal supporter of the conservative movement and was even rumored to have turned down roles in films that conflicted with his beliefs.
Pat Boone In His 80s
Today, Pat Boone is in his 80s, but he is still active in the music industry. He continues to perform live shows and has released several albums in recent year. Boone’s music may have been criticized for being too polished and safe, but his enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless quality of his melodies and the warmth of his voice.
In the end, Pat Boone’s legacy will be remembered not just for his music, but for his unwavering commitment to his values and his role as a cultural icon of his era. He was a pioneer of the rock and roll movement, a Hollywood star, and a trailblazer for conservative values in the entertainment industry. Love him or hate him, Pat Boone is a figure that will be remembered for generations to come.
On that note, we’re going to go ahead and wrap this video up, but before you move on to watching another one of our facts-packed videos, we’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings on Pat Boone’s life and career. Did you know that he considered his late wife Shirley to be one of the biggest influences in his life and that he enjoyed a long friendship with Elvis Presley that lasted until Presley’s death? Let us know in the comments. And as always, thanks for watching!
