Tributes have poured in for singer Guy Hovis, who has died aged 86 after being hospitalised with an undisclosed illness. Hovis was a regular performer on The Lawrence Welk Show
Legendary singer Guy Hovis has died aged 86 following a battle with illness in hospital. A familiar face on the iconic variety programme The Lawrence Welk Show, Hovis enjoyed a remarkable career spanning 15 albums and even graced the stage at President George W. Bush’s inauguration.
Alongside his former wife Ralna English, the duo created music together and featured on Welk’s programme as the singing partnership known as ‘Guy & Ralna’. His daughter Julie broke the sad news to TMZ, revealing her father died peacefully on Thursday in Oxford, Mississippi.
Julie explained her father had been hospitalised with an undisclosed ongoing illness over recent weeks. Hovis’ former wife Ralna English, who also performed alongside him, shared the heartbreaking update with her Facebook followers, explaining he ‘took a turn for the worse’ after spending weeks in hospital.
“As it has for me, this will come as a shock to many of you,” she wrote. “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 Guys entire family.”
English and Hovis share a daughter together, and despite their separation, the pair maintained a close friendship. “We’ve enjoyed a pretty good relationship for almost 50 years now. It is partly the blend of our voices and also that we’ve always harmonized very easily together,’ Hovis revealed to Wicked Local in 2015.”
“We’ve also maintained a strong personal friendship over the years, because of our daughter.” They continued to feature on the Hovis programme until its finale in 1982.
Following their separation, Hovis wed again. He married Sarah “Sis” Lundy, and the couple have three children and five grandchildren between them, his biography states.
Among Hovis’ achievements are production and vocal nominations from the Gospel Music Association, plus performing Let the Eagle Soar at George W. Bush’s 2005 inauguration ceremony.
Fans shared their condolences for the late star on social media. “You feel like you knew him because he was in our living rooms throughout our lives. I know this is a hard loss for you and for all of the family. It’s sad to hear about it,” one wrote.
“Every Saturday-night at 7:00 pm I watch the Lawrence Welk program and always look forward to Guy and Raina. I am so sorry to learn this news- My sincere sympathy to Guy’s wife, daughter. to you and his extended family. So sad,” another commented.
Source: Mirror
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