This story has been updated
Hank Williams, Jr. got married on September 9, 2023, in a quiet family ceremony in Banks near Troy. His spouse Brandi is a bit younger than he, but they're not saying how much.
Hank Jr., "Bochephus," is a young 73.
People in Alabama who still love and listen to his father's music think of him as "young Hank." So it is difficult to think of him as having a love interest who has now turned 80 years old.
The love interest existed only in a movie. Hank, Jr. and beautiful Shelly Fabares were a movie couple, starring in the 1968 film, "A Time to Sing." It was originally titled, "The Hank Williams Jr. Story." It carried a subtitle: "He's the man who travels from nowhere to Nashville." Where was "nowhere?" Alabama.
It was one of a few films for Hank the singer. It was one of many for Fabares, the actress and singer.
The careers of Hank, Jr. and Shelley Fabares were mirror images. He had just a few movie roles but dozens of big song hits. She had dozens of successful acting roles but just a few song hits, including one blockbuster in 1961: "Johnny Angel." Hank, Jr. was 11 years old. The song rose to number one on the Billboard chart in 1962.
That girlfriend of young Hank in the movie has now turned 80 years old. She was born on January 19, 1944. She was and is 17 years older than her movie boyfriend, Hank, Jr.
It was a typical role for Fabares. She also played Elvis Presley's girlfriend in three movies: "Girl Happy" (1965), "Spinout" (1966). "Clambake" (1967).
Michele Ann Marie "Shelley" Fabares is best known for her television roles as Mary Stone on the sitcom, "The Donna Reed Show" (1958–1963) and as Christine Armstrong on the sitcom "Coach" (1989–1997). She played the TV daughter of Donna Reed.
Fabares made her acting debut at age three, 77 years ago.
She is married to actor Mike Farrell. She underwent a liver transplant in 2000 due to non-alcohol-related hepatitis caused by autoimmune deficiencies. Her having lived and thrived as a liver transplant survivor for 24 years and counting is a remarkable personal and medical feat.
Happy 80th birthday, Shelley Fabares!
"We need to appreciate how precious life is." - Shelley Fabares
Jim Zeigler is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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