Iconic singer Guy Hovis has died.
He was 84.
Hovis’ ex-wife, Ralna English, announced his death on social media.
“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, this time we are all devastated and simply trying to cope with this tragic loss,” she added. “Thank you for your prayers for Julie and Sis and Guys entire family.”
A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Hovis was best known for his appearances on “The Lawrence Welk Show.” He often appeared alongside English, who he collaborated with musically as well.
Hovis’ official bio said that he left a full-time job to join the United States Army. Once there, his bio said he won a talent show and ended up taking a six-week tour. He said that is what made him fall in love with performing.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Hovis met English, who was already with “The Lawrence Welk Show,” and the two began performing together on the show in 1969. They also married that year and ended up performing on the show “dozens of times over the following decade.”
Hovis and English continued to perform together even after their divorce in 1984.
Fans and followers were quick to send love after English’s post.
“I grew up watching you and guy every week on the Welk show,” one person wrote. “You two were always my favorites. I am so very sorry to learn of Guy’s passing. It almost feels 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.”
“You feel like you knew him because he was in our living rooms throughout our lives,” another person wrote. “I know this is a hard loss for you and for all of the family. It’s sad to hear about it. I personally treasure the sweet memories of hearing him seeing as music was always the biggest part of our lives in our family. Thank you for sharing this very sad news.”
Read the original article on pennlive.com.
