While his music career made him a household name, Pat Boone’s later years reveal a life filled with devotion, faith, and unexpected ventures. Here’s how he’s finding purpose after his beloved wife’s passing.
Pat Boone, born on June 1, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, rose to fame as a singer and television personality known for his wholesome image and charming pop hits in the 1950s.
His career began early, sparked by winning a local talent contest that led to appearances on television variety shows like “Ted Mack,” “Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts,” and “Original Amateur Hour.”
American actor and singer Pat Boone, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
By 1955, Pat had landed his first major record, “Two Hearts, Two Kisses,” marking the start of his successful partnership with Dot Records.
Later that year, his cover of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame” became a massive hit, paving the way for more popular renditions of songs originally recorded by renowned African American artists, including Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally” and “Tutti Frutti.”
American actor and singer Pat Boone records a song, circa 1957 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond his music, Pat graduated from Columbia University in 1958, earning a degree in speech and English. His cap-and-gown-clad appearance on the cover of “TV Guide” that same year cemented his image as a wholesome, clean-cut star.
After that, he hosted his own weekly variety show, “The Pat Boone–Chevy Showroom,” from 1957 to 1960. During this time, he also ventured into acting, appearing in films like “April Love” (1957) and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (1959).
Pat Boone kisses Shirley Jones in a scene from the film “April Love,” circa 1957 | Source: Getty Images
While Pat’s popularity among young audiences faded with the rise of the British Invasion in the early 1960s, his career continued to evolve. He ventured into gospel music in the 1970s with albums such as “Pat Boone Sings the New Songs of the Jesus People” (1972) and “The Pat Boone Gospel Collection” (1978).
Later, in an unexpected twist, he surprised fans with a heavy metal album, “In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy” in 1997, appearing alongside rocker Alice Cooper and drawing both amusement and shock from his audience.
An unnamed girl shrieks approval as rock and roll singer Pat Boone belts out a song during a Chicago youth rally, circa April 1956 | Source: Getty Images
Pat continued to adapt and expand his artistic portfolio, launching his own record label, “The Gold Label,” in the early 2000s.
Through this platform, he produced patriotic and devotional works, including “American Glory” (2002) and “Legacy” (2014), as well as collaborations with artists across genres. His career has spanned decades, marked by versatility and a steadfast dedication to his craft.
American singer and actor Pat Boone, circa 1955 | Source: Getty Images
Pat Boone’s Magnificent Love Story
As Pat’s career flourished, his personal life was equally captivating, marked by a profound love story with his wife, Shirley Boone. Pat and Shirley’s romance began when they were both just 16.
Recalling their early connection, Pat shared, “We were very much in love.” By the time they turned 19, Shirley’s family planned a move that would take her away, leading Pat to realize he couldn’t let her go.
He approached Shirley’s father, country music icon Red Foley, to ask for her hand in marriage. In a poignant exchange, Red tearfully asked Pat one thing, “Will you take care of my girl?”
Pat assured him he would, and the couple soon eloped in November 1953. They settled in Teaneck, New Jersey, where they embraced the joys of family life, raising four daughters within their first five years of marriage.
The couple’s move to Beverly Hills eventually became a long-term chapter, where they resided for over 50 years. Together, they witnessed their family expand, celebrating the lives of their four daughters, 16 grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Shirley dedicated herself to creating a warm and joyful home, as Pat fondly recalled. Her life also included multiple roles, not only as a wife and mother but as a best-selling author, recording artist, television host, and dedicated humanitarian.
Shirley Boone appearing on the ABC TV special “Pat Boone and Family Easter Special,” circa 1979 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond her family contributions, Shirley was highly regarded for her impact in Christian ministry, establishing a billion-dollar Christian organization. Her and Pat’s shared faith was a guiding strength throughout their marriage, helping them overcome challenges and sustain their lifelong commitment.
Pat acknowledged the importance of their beliefs in holding them together, saying, “We didn’t have the perfect marriage, but it helps to marry a magnificent woman.” He added that faith and family were central, allowing them to persevere during difficult times and grow stronger as a couple.
Gone But Not Forgotten
This deep-rooted bond lasted 65 years until Shirley’s passing on January 11, 2019. At age 84, she died peacefully at home in Beverly Hills, surrounded by Pat and their daughters, who sang hymns by her side.
Reflecting on his loss, Pat described his parting from Shirley with heartfelt faith, saying, “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.”
He continued, explaining, “She’s changed her address is all and moved to a different mansion that I expect to join her in one day [sic].” This perspective provided him solace, as he expressed, “I’m very confident of that… we know we’re gonna be together again and have a whole new beginning.”
Pat Boone’s Life After His Wife’s Death
In the years since Shirley’s passing, Pat has continued to live in the Beverly Hills home they shared since 1960. Surrounded by decades of memories and memorabilia from his extensive career, Pat finds comfort in his familiar surroundings. Despite being alone, he mentions that he often speaks to Shirley, keeping her memory close in his daily life.
Shirley Boone and Pat Boone pictured in 1979 | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on his quiet moments, Pat shared, “I’m living here alone with a housekeeper and my dog, a little cocker spaniel…Shadow is his name.” With a gentle nod to his solitude, he softly sang, “It’s just me and my shadow, all alone and feeling blue.” Smiling afterward, the “I’ll Remember Tonight” singer added, “I’m doing fine. I mean, gosh, I miss her.”
Pat Boone and wife Shirley Foley Boone on October 23, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
This sense of longing resonates with Pat’s social media followers as well. In an Instagram post from October 2024, the “Chains of Love” singer shared a tender photo of himself and Shirley gazing lovingly at each other.
His caption reflected the depth of his emotions. “But I miss you most of all my darling, when autumn leaves start to fall… I hope everyone is having a blessed start to your fall season!”
Though he treasures the quiet moments of reflection, Pat’s life is also brightened by the joy he finds in his family. On Father’s Day 2024, he shared a photo on Facebook with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating the legacy he and Shirley created.
Proudly acknowledging his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather, Pat expressed, “Being a father, a grandfather, and a [great-grandfather] is one of my greatest adventures and accomplishments in life! I love my family dearly, and I am so thankful to have started something so beautiful.”
In addition to cherishing family and memories of Shirley, Pat keeps his days filled with activities that bring him joy and purpose. Among his favorite pastimes, golf holds a special place.
As he shared in a social media post from March 2023, the “April Love” alum enjoys hitting the green, finding both relaxation and recreation on the course. This hobby is just one of the ways he keeps active and engaged.
Another meaningful part of Pat’s life is his commitment to giving back. In an interview with “The Christian Post” in April 2022, he shared that he now focuses on using his resources to support causes close to his heart.
“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.”
Pat considers himself in a “Joseph position,” a reference to the biblical figure known for his generosity, as he continues to support those around him in various ways.
“My life right now is movies, books, songs. I’m still writing, still singing and recording,” he explained, noting that his creative pursuits also serve as outlets for his generous spirit. Over his career, he’s recorded an impressive 2,300 songs, surpassing legendary figures like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.
Pat’s musical journey continues as well. In 2023, he surprised fans with a new single, “Grits,” a playful tribute to the Southern staple. He recounted the song’s inspiration, explaining that its melody and lyrics came to him in a dream where he was performing a country hit.
“I dreamed I was having a big country hit record,” he recalled. “People were congratulating me, and even in my dream, I was singing some of it. I came out of the dream with the first verse.”
To bring “Grits” to life, he collaborated with well-known artists, including Ray Stevens, The Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Deborah Allen, and Dean Miller, son of country legend Roger Miller. Filming the music video at the historic Capitol Theatre in Lebanon, Tennessee, Pat embraced the challenge of learning a lively line dance for the production.
With humor, he admitted in a 2023 interview, “I’m not a gifted dancer by any means. I’m 89, so trying to learn that peppy line dance which was created for ‘Grits’ was a lot!” Despite the effort, Pat’s dedication to the project showcased his enduring enthusiasm for music and connection with his fans.
Building on his cherished family connections, Pat shared a glimpse into his time with his four daughters, Debby, Cherry, Laurey, and Linda, who visited him in early September 2024. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he included photos capturing their joyful reunion. One image showed Pat seated outdoors, surrounded by his smiling daughters.