Pat Boone’s Life After Loss: What the 90-Year-Old Legend Is Up to Now

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on June 1, 1934, Pat Boone became well-known as a musician and TV personality in the 1950s thanks to his endearing pop songs and wholesome character.

Winning a local talent competition marked the beginning of his career, and he went on to appear on television variety series such as “Ted Mack,” “Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts,” and “Original Amateur Hour.”

“Two Hearts, Two Kisses,” Pat’s first major hit by 1955, was the beginning of his fruitful collaboration with Dot Records.

His version of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame” became a huge hit later that year, opening the door for more well-known covers of songs that were first recorded by well-known African American musicians, such as Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally” and “Tutti Frutti.”

In addition to his musical career, Pat received a degree in speech and English from Columbia University in 1958. His portrayal as a clean-cut, wholesome figure was solidified that same year when he appeared on the cover of “TV Guide” wearing a cap and gown.

From 1957 to 1960, he presented “The Pat Boone–Chevy Showroom,” his own weekly variety show. He also dabbled with acting during this period, making appearances in movies like “April Love” (1957) and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (1959).

As the British Invasion gained momentum in the early 1960s, Pat’s appeal to younger listeners diminished, but his career progressed still. With albums like “The Pat Boone Gospel Collection” (1978) and “Pat Boone Sings the New Songs of the Jesus People” (1972), he made his foray into gospel music in the 1970s.

Later, in a surprising turn of events, he shocked fans by releasing a heavy metal album called “In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy” in 1997. He performed with rocker Alice Cooper, and his audience was both shocked and amused.

In the early 2000s, Pat established his own record label, “The Gold Label,” as he continued to modify and broaden his creative horizons.

He created devotional and patriotic pieces like “American Glory” (2002) and “Legacy” (2014) using this platform, in addition to working with musicians from other genres. His decades-long career has been distinguished by his adaptability and unwavering commitment to his art.

The Magnificent Love Story of Pat Boone

Pat’s personal life, which included a deep love story with his wife, Shirley Boone, was just as fascinating as his business. At the age of sixteen, Pat and Shirley started dating.

Pat recalled that when they first met, “We were very much in love.” Pat realized he couldn’t let Shirley leave when her family organized a transfer that would take her away by the time they turned 19.

He asked Red Foley, a country music legend and Shirley’s father, for her hand in marriage. In a moving conversation, Red asked Pat, “Will you take care of my girl?” with tears in her eyes.

In November 1953, the pair eloped after Pat promised he would. Within the first five years of their marriage, they raised four girls in Teaneck, New Jersey, where they embraced the pleasures of family life.

After a while, the couple decided to settle in Beverly Hills, where they lived for more than 50 years. As they celebrated the lives of their four daughters, sixteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, they saw their family grow.

Pat remembered Shirley’s efforts to make the house a happy and cozy place. In addition to being a mother and wife, she was also a recording artist, television host, best-selling author, and devoted philanthropist.

In addition to her efforts to her family, Shirley was well-known for her influence in Christian ministry and founding a billion-dollar Christian organization. Throughout their marriage, her and Pat’s common faith served as a compass, enabling them to overcome obstacles and uphold their lifelong vows.

As Pat put it, “We didn’t have the perfect marriage, but it helps to marry a magnificent woman.” He acknowledged the significance of their values in keeping them together. He went on to say that their family and faith were essential, which helped them to endure hardships and strengthen their bond as a pair.

Lost But Not Forgotten

Shirley passed away on January 11, 2019, after 65 years of this enduring bond. She passed away quietly at the age of 84 in her Beverly Hills home, accompanied by Pat and their daughters who joined her in singing hymns.

“We lived a wonderful, blessed life together for 65 years,” Pat said, reflecting on his loss and describing his parting from Shirley with deep faith. I have been separated from my significant other for a short time, but we simply move on to a new location; today was a moving day.

He went on to say, “She’s changed her address is all and moved to a different mansion that I expect to join her in one day [sic].” As he put it, “I’m very confident of that… we know we’re gonna be together again and have a whole new beginning.” This viewpoint gave him comfort.

The Life of Pat Boone Following the Death of His Wife

Pat has remained at the Beverly Hills house they shared since 1960 in the years following Shirley’s death. Pat finds solace in his familiar surroundings, which are filled with decades’ worth of memories and souvenirs from his long career. He says that even though he is by himself, he talks to Shirley frequently and keeps her memories close to his heart.

The “April Love” alumnus likes to hit the green, finding both relaxation and recreation on the course, as he revealed in a March 2023 social media post. One of the ways he stays active and involved is through this pastime.

Pat’s dedication to give back is another significant aspect of his life. He stated that he now concentrates on using his riches to help issues that are important to him in an interview with “The Christian Post” in April 2022.

“I don’t need to build up anything more for myself, but I take advantage of many opportunities in which I can increase my giving because God loves a cheerful giver, and I am a cheerful giver.”

As he continues to help individuals around him in different ways, Pat sees himself in a “Joseph position,” a reference to the biblical character noted for his generosity.

“At the moment, my existence consists of songs, movies, and literature. “I continue to write, sing, and record,” he said, adding that his artistic endeavors also act as channels for his giving nature. He has recorded an astounding 2,300 songs over his career, surpassing such greats as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

Pat’s musical career is still going strong. He shocked audiences in 2023 with a brand-new song called “Grits,” which was a lighthearted ode to the Southern mainstay. He described how the tune and words of the song came to him while he was playing a country hit in a dream.

“I dreamed I was having a big country hit record,” he said. “I was receiving congratulations, and I even sang a little bit of it in my dream. With the first verse, I emerged from the dream.

He worked with well-known musicians including Ray Stevens, The Gatlin Brothers, Deborah Allen, Lorrie Morgan, and Dean Miller—son of country music icon Roger Miller—to make “Grits” a reality. Pat accepted the task of learning a dynamic line dance for the music video, which was filmed in Lebanon, Tennessee’s historic Capitol Theatre.

In a 2023 interview, he humorously acknowledged, “I’m not a talented dancer by any means. “It was quite a challenge to learn that energetic line dance that was made for ‘Grits’ because I’m eighty-nine.” Pat’s commitment to the endeavor, in spite of the effort, demonstrated his ongoing love of music and bond with his fans.

Pat gave a peek of his time with his four daughters, Debby, Cherry, Laurey, and Linda, who came to see him in early September 2024, further enhancing his treasured family ties. He shared pictures of their happy reunion on Instagram in a poignant post. In one picture, Pat was sitting outside with his happy daughters.

Another picture, however, showed them sitting indoors in front of a treasured family doll collection. “My girls visited my house a few days ago, and these pictures were taken during their visit. When they got married and their families started to expand, Shirley added to the Raggedy Ann and Andy doll collection she had established, which she used to symbolize each of our girls,” Pat captioned the photo.

“I adore this picture of the family room, with all of us seated in front of them. I am carrying Cherry’s first Raggedy Ann doll from her childhood. The pleased father of four exclaimed, “I love the beautiful smiles on my beautiful girls’ faces.”

Pat’s love of music is still very much alive. He talked about his experience playing at Roger Williams’ 100th Commemorative Birthday Celebration Concert on September 30, 2024.

In his reflections, he noted, “This past weekend I had the privilege and honor of performing ‘The Impossible Dream’ at the Roger Williams 100th Commemorative Birthday Celebration Concert with the Concordia University Symphony Orchestra and Choir.” Pat expressed gratitude for being a part of the special occasion and called the opportunity a genuine honor.

His fans were moved by this poignant performance. “It was truly an honor to be part of such a special event,” he wrote in a Facebook post on October 16, 2024, thanking a friend who had shared a video of the event. And keep in mind, friends, that even at 90, no dream is unachievable.

“Brought tears to my eyes,” “Absolutely Amazing!” and other emotional remarks were among the admiring remarks left by fans in a timely manner. and “You’re incredible, Pat! What a fantastic performance you gave at 90! I appreciate you sharing; I really enjoyed it!”💙🧡❤️💚💛.”

These remarks emphasized the influence of Pat’s performance and the motivation he still gives his audience.

Pat’s 90th birthday was celebrated earlier this year on June 1, 2024. He shared pictures from his party, including ones of him holding and blowing out the candles on his birthday cake while surrounded by relatives, as a way to remember this momentous day.

The renowned singer thanked everyone for their well wishes in his message, stating that he felt incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by the affection of his family, friends, and fans.

Pat Boone, whose life has been molded by unwavering love and tenacity, continues to pay tribute to his late wife while finding happiness in family, religion, and music.