At a Glance
- Guy Hovis, famed singer from The Lawrence Welk Show, died at 84 on Jan. 22.
- Former wife Ralna English mourns the loss of a partner who performed with her for 27 years.
- Hovis left a legacy of 15 albums, a Senate career, and a historic performance at a presidential inauguration.
Guy Hovis’s passing on Jan. 22 marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned music, public service, and enduring partnerships. The beloved vocalist, known for his smooth tenor and stage presence, was 84 when he died after a brief hospitalization. His death has sent ripples through the communities that followed his career from the 1960s onward.
A Career on the Welk Stage
The first time the world heard Guy and Ralna together was a 1969 Christmas episode of The Lawrence Welk Show. Their duet captured the audience’s imagination and led Welk to bring them back for more. In February 1970 the duo began a 12-year run as regular performers, a partnership that would ultimately last 27 years on the show.
- 1969: First Christmas duet on The Lawrence Welk Show.
- 1970-1984: Regular appearances as a married couple.
- 1984: Divorce, yet the duo continued to perform together.
The chemistry between the two singers was unmistakable. Hovis recalled to WTVA in 2024 that the initial success of their Christmas performance generated a flood of mail. He asked English to join the show, and the pair continued to delight audiences for over a decade.
Personal Life and Legacy
Guy Hovis met Ralna English at a club in Santa Monica in the late 1960s. English’s grandmother, a fan of Welk, encouraged her to audition for the show. The couple married in 1969 and remained together until 1984. Despite their divorce, they maintained a professional partnership, a testament to their mutual respect and love of music.
In a 2012 interview with the New Hampshire Union Leader, English reflected on their collaboration: “Guy and I have a ball working together. We just love being on stage performing together.”
Beyond the stage, Hovis pursued a varied career. He began singing in church at age five and later graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in accounting. After two years of Army service, he entered the music industry, recording 15 albums over his lifetime. In 1990 he moved to his native Mississippi, worked for the U.S. Senate, and eventually retired while continuing to record and perform.
- 1990: Moved to Mississippi, worked for the U.S. Senate.
- 2005: Sang “Let the Eagle Soar” at President George W. Bush’s inauguration.
- 2002: Married Sarah “Sis” Lundy.
- Father of three children and grandfather of five.
Tributes and Final Days
Following Hovis’s death, former wife Ralna English posted a heartfelt message on Facebook. She wrote, “As it has for me, this will come as a shock to many of you. Guy has been in the hospital for several weeks. I spoke briefly with him on Monday and was deeply concerned. He took a turn for the worse and it hurts me to tell you, but he died peacefully last night. Needless to say, at this time we are all devastated and simply trying to cope with this tragic news. Thank you for your prayers for Julie and Sis and Guy’s entire family.”
The Lennon Sisters, long-time colleagues on The Lawrence Welk Show, also paid tribute. Their Facebook post described Hovis as “an amazing talented singer with a voice that was beyond perfection.” They added, “A very kind true loyal friend… And handsome on top of all that. He will be truly missed and forever in our hearts.”
These messages underscore the deep respect and affection that fellow performers and fans held for Hovis. His gentle voice and warm personality left an indelible mark on the music community.
Honors and Contributions
Hovis’s contributions extended beyond entertainment. His 2005 performance at the presidential inauguration showcased his ability to blend artistry with national significance. The song “Let the Eagle Soar” resonated with audiences across the country and remains a highlight of his career.
Throughout his life, Hovis balanced public service with artistic pursuit. His tenure with the U.S. Senate demonstrated a commitment to civic duty, while his recordings-15 albums in total-displayed a lifelong devotion to music. Even after retirement, he continued to record, ensuring that his voice would be heard by future generations.
Key Takeaways
- Guy Hovis was a celebrated singer whose partnership with Ralna English defined The Lawrence Welk Show for 27 years.
- His life bridged music, public service, and family, culminating in a memorable performance at a presidential inauguration.
- Tributes from colleagues and fans highlight a legacy of talent, kindness, and enduring friendship.
Guy Hovis’s final curtain has closed on a life that touched countless hearts. His music, his service, and his spirit will continue to echo in the halls of the Welk Show and beyond.
