Let’s take a trip down memory lane. It’s been 65 years since the world first met The Lennon Sisters, but when Kathy, Janet, and Mimi Lennon step onto the stage today, something extraordinary happens. "We’re incredibly fortunate that we still have our voices and can fit into those dazzling beaded gowns," Janet, now 74, shared exclusively with Closer Weekly, which is available on newsstands right now. "After all these years, we still absolutely love working together. And guess what? We’re still best friends!"
A Legacy Built on Love and Unity
America’s longest-standing sister act has faced more than its fair share of challenges over the years. One of the most heart-wrenching moments came in 1969, when their father was tragically murdered by a deranged fan. But through sheer love, unity, and unwavering faith, the sisters persevered. "That tragedy changed everything for us," Kathy reflects. "But it also taught us the importance of sticking together. We had each other, we had Mom, and we knew we were blessed to have one another through it all."
From Venice to the Spotlight
Growing up in Venice, California, the Lennon family wasn’t dreaming of fame or fortune. They were just 11 kids living life like any other family. But everything changed when older sisters Dianne (DeeDee), Peggy, Kathy, and Janet discovered their love for harmonizing. Their big break came when Lawrence Welk’s son, who went to school with DeeDee, introduced them to his dad. "I was only 12 years old," Kathy recalls with a chuckle. "Lawrence Welk was like a grandfather you adored but were a little intimidated by!" And so began a 13-year journey on The Lawrence Welk Show, where they became household names.
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Overcoming Tragedy with Strength
As the sisters were preparing to launch their own variety show, The Lennon Sisters Hour, in 1969, their lives were turned upside down. A crazed stalker who believed he was married to Peggy murdered their father, William. "Our mother was the rock of our family," Kathy remembers. "She kept us strong. And then singer Andy Williams gave us some advice we’ll never forget: 'Don’t let this man ruin your lives or your careers.'" It was a turning point that allowed them to keep moving forward.
A Career Full of Milestones
Over the decades, The Lennon Sisters have achieved remarkable success. They’ve released 21 albums, including the timeless Lennon Sisters Ultimate Christmas Collection. They earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and even performed for seven U.S. presidents. A documentary about their incredible lives, The Lennon Sisters: Same Song, Separate Voices, is currently airing on PBS. But despite all these accolades, Kathy and Janet say their proudest achievement is the unbreakable bond they share as sisters. "We had an amazing childhood," Janet says fondly. "If we could relive it all, we would in a heartbeat. But at the end of the day, being sisters means more to us than being entertainers."
— Reporting by Katie Bruno
For more on this inspiring story, grab the latest issue of Closer magazine, available on newsstands now.
