You know the name Pat Boone, right? The legendary entertainer who’s been lighting up stages, screens, and hearts for over seven decades? Well, he’s still living in the same Beverly Hills home he and his beloved wife Shirley bought back in 1960. Shirley, who passed away in January 2019 after a battle with vasculitis, remains close to Pat’s heart. “I talk to her all the time,” he shares with a warm smile. “She’s never far from my thoughts.”
Home Sweet Home in Beverly Hills
Pat’s sprawling Beverly Hills estate is more than just a house; it’s a treasure trove of memories and memorabilia from his storied career. And guess what? He’s not planning on leaving anytime soon. “I’m happy here,” he says, surrounded by the comforts of home—a loyal housekeeper and his adorable cocker spaniel, Shadow. “It’s just me and my shadow, feeling kind of blue,” Pat sings softly, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. But then he brightens, adding, “I’m doing okay. I really do miss her, though.”
Faith and Family: The Foundations of Pat’s Life
How does Pat handle the loss of his lifelong partner? By leaning on the two pillars that have always kept him grounded: faith and family. Pat and Shirley tied the knot at 19 and went on to raise four daughters, including the talented Debby Boone, famous for her hit “You Light Up My Life.” Pat’s faith has been a constant source of strength, helping him navigate the ups and downs of life. “Shirley and I made our commitment to God and to each other,” he explains. “We rely on divine guidance to make the right choices.”
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A Career Built on Hits and Heart
Pat’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s known for his chart-topping hits like “Moody River” in 1961 and his starring role in the 1962 film State Fair with Ann-Margret. But Pat wasn’t just about the music and movies. He was a trailblazer in his own right, often pushing boundaries to promote unity and understanding. Back in the late ‘50s, he invited black artists like Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald to perform on his TV show, The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom. At 22, he became the youngest person ever to have his own network music variety show. “It was surreal,” Pat recalls. “I was still in college at Columbia University, thinking that my entertainment career might not last, but here I was, married with a growing family.”
Using His Voice for Change
Pat has always used his platform to advocate for positive change. In 1992, after the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, he wrote a song titled “Can’t We Get Along.” Though it wasn’t released at the time, Pat felt it was more relevant than ever after the tragic death of George Floyd. He decided to give the song a second chance, insisting that it be performed by the talented Wendy Moten. “It felt like the right thing to do,” Pat says with conviction.
Looking Back with Gratitude
As Pat reflects on his life, he’s filled with gratitude for the incredible journey he’s had. He cherishes his marriage to Shirley, who always had his back, even when it came to screen kisses with actresses like Shirley Jones in the 1957 film April Love. Pat laughingly recalls Shirley’s humorous but serious request: “She told me, ‘There’s going to be some kissing involved, but promise me one thing: you won’t enjoy it.’ And I said, ‘OK, I promise.’” Pat kept that promise, and their marriage remained strong for 65 incredible years.
Pat’s belief in the power of faith and family remains unshaken. He continues to write music and is currently working on a new faith-based book titled If. “My greatest accomplishment,” Pat says proudly, “is our 65-year marriage in Hollywood. Being an entertainer and raising four wonderful kids, we’ve truly lived a good life.”
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