Legendary singer Pat Boone dominated the charts during the 1950s and 60s, gaining a legion of fans worldwide.
Over the decades, Boone has worn many hats as a composer, actor, writer, television personality, motivational speaker, and New York Times best-selling author.
At 86 years old, he shared with the Christian Post that he was working on a book about faith titled “If.”
Remarkably, at just 19 years old, Pat married Shirley Lee Foley, the daughter of country music star Red Foley.
Just a year later, he found himself in the limelight with his first hit, a rendition of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame.” By 1956, he had a number one single, trailing only Elvis Presley in the charts.
By the age of 23, he had his own show, The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom, which aired on ABC weekly for 115 episodes until 1960.
“I was the youngest guy ever to have his own network music variety show, at 22,” Boone told Closer Weekly.
His career soared, making him one of the biggest recording stars in the U.S. He starred in hit movies such as Journey to the Center of the Earth, State Fair, and The Greatest Story Ever Told.
Through it all, his dedicated wife Shirley stood by his side, raising their four daughters and working as an actress and assistant director.
The couple enjoyed 65 years of marriage until Shirley passed away at 84 years old from complications related to vasculitis, a group of disorders that destroy blood vessels.
“Not many people in this crazy business stay married to one person for 65 years,” Boone told The Christian Post. “But Shirley went to Heaven ahead of me last year, and I’m on my own now.”
Boone continues to live in the house they shared for decades, with no plans to move despite feeling the loss.
“I’m living here alone with a housekeeper and my dog, a little cocker spaniel named Shadow,” Boone shared with Closer Weekly. He joked, “It’s just me and my Shadow, all alone and feeling blue.” He added, “I’m doing fine. I mean, gosh, I miss [Shirley].”
After Shirley’s passing, Boone shared, “We lived a wonderful, blessed life together for 65 years. I’ve parted with my better half for a little while, but we don’t die; we just move on to another place, and today was moving day.
“She’s changed her address, is all, and moved to a different mansion that I expect to join her in one day.”
The love and devotion that Pat and Shirley shared is both beautiful and inspirational. Rest in peace, Shirley.
Please share this heartwarming story with all the Pat Boone fans you know.
