Guy Hovis, the velvet-voiced crooner whose appearances with wife Ralna English on The Lawrence Welk Show impressed his loyal fans, has died at the age of 84. Hovis's daughter, Julie, confirmed his passing to TMZ, according to the outlet. He died in Oxford, Mississippi, after "a lingering, undisclosed illness."
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Guy Hovis Made His Mark on TV
If you are not familiar with The Lawrence Welk Show, it featured various musical artists. The program showcased what might be called middle-of-the-road, easy listening tunes. There were favorite regulars like the Lennon Sisters, dancers Bobby Burgess and Cissy King, and accordionist Myron Floren.
Although some found the music a bit too wholesome, the show was extremely popular TV fare for years. It aired on ABC from 1955 to 1971, and then it was syndicated from 1971 to 1982. Episodes are shown on PBS now. Lawrence Welk died in 1992.
Guy Hovis and Ralna English sang on the show as a couple and as individual artists. They were married from 1969 to 1984, when they divorced. He was married to his current wife, Sarah Lundy, since 2002.
His Former Wife and Singing Partner Posted About Hovis's Death
English, 83, wrote sadly about Hovis's death on
Facebook. She posted, "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."She added, "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."
Fans Expressed Their Sorrow at Hovis's Passing
Many left messages of condolence on English's
Facebook page. Hovis really meant a lot to people. In a way, he represented another era, one that is all but gone now."Praying for your family Ralna... you and Guy are my favorites to watch and hear on the Welk Show. God Bless."
"I too, am so sorry to read this. Remembering the first time I heard him sing with you on the show. 'Little Toy Trains.' You two were why I never missed the show. I shall put on my 33 1/3 rpm album...playing 'Reach Out to Jesus' one of my favorites. Guy is with Him now. Love to the whole family."
"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."
"I grew up watching you and Guy every week on the Welk show. You two were always my favorites. I am so very sorry to learn of Guy's passing. It feels almost like I have lost a member of my family. Prayers for all who loved him. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing."
