Remembering Guy Hovis: A Beloved Voice from The Lawrence Welk Show

Guy Hovis, renowned for his performances on "The Lawrence Welk Show," has died at the age of 84. His former wife and musical partner, Ralna English, announced his passing on January 22, after he spent several weeks hospitalized due to an undisclosed illness. English expressed her devastation in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating, “As it has for me, this will come as a shock to many of you... he took a turn for the worse and it hurts me to tell you, but he died peacefully last night.” She thanked fans for their support during this difficult time.

Daily Mail

Born Guy Lee Hovis, Jr. in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1941, Hovis began his musical journey at the age of five, singing in church. He later pursued a degree in accounting at the University of Mississippi before serving in the U.S. Army, where he discovered his passion for performing. Hovis gained fame as part of the duo "Guy & Ralna" alongside English, who he married in 1969. Their first performance together on "The Lawrence Welk Show" during a Christmas special in 1969 was met with overwhelming fan support, leading to their regular appearances on the show for over a decade.

Forbes

Hovis recorded 15 albums throughout his career and was known for his powerful voice. He also performed at significant events, including singing "Let the Eagle Soar" at President George W. Bush's inauguration in 2005. After his music career, Hovis served as the state director for former U.S. Senator Trent Lott from 1990 to 2007.

People Magazine

Despite their divorce in 1984, Hovis and English maintained a close friendship and continued to perform together. English remarked in a 2012 interview, “Guy and I have a ball working together. We just love being on stage performing together.” Their enduring bond was evident in their performances and personal interactions, as they shared a daughter and remained supportive of each other throughout their lives.

Daily Mail

Following Hovis's death, tributes poured in from fans and fellow performers. The Lennon Sisters, who also appeared on "The Lawrence Welk Show," remembered him as “an amazing talented singer with a voice that was beyond perfection.” Many fans expressed their sorrow on social media, recalling how Hovis's performances had been a staple in their lives.

New York Post

Guy Hovis leaves behind a rich legacy in the world of music and television. He is survived by his second wife, Sarah “Sis” Lundy, three children, and five grandchildren. His contributions to the entertainment industry and the memories he created with audiences will be cherished for years to come.

Entertainment Weekly