Brenda Lee’s Secret to a Happy Marriage Revealed: What Her Husband Did Will Warm Your Heart!

Brenda Lee is a music legend with a lasting legacy, but when it was time for her to step back, she wasn’t worried — all thanks to something special her husband, Ronnie Shacklett, did during their 60 years of marriage. Here’s the inspiring story behind her incredible journey.

Brenda Lee was born Brenda Mae Tarpley on December 11, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the second of four children in a working-class family. Even as a toddler, her musical talent stood out. At just two years old, she could whistle and sing perfectly after hearing a song only once.

However, her early life wasn’t easy. In 1953, her father died in a construction accident, leaving the family in financial trouble. Her mother remarried in 1955, and the family moved to Augusta, Georgia.

Lee’s voice quickly became a way to help her family. By age 10, she was performing on local radio and TV, amazing people with her powerful voice and charm. “I did start on radio. I was confident,” she shared.

Her first paid performance was for $35 — more than a week’s wages in rural Georgia. It was clear her talent could help her family out of poverty. In 1956, at just 11 years old, she performed Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya” with country star Red Foley.

Her incredible performance earned her a spot on the nationally televised Ozark Jubilee. When asked if she ever felt nervous performing for big crowds, Lee said, “No, not really.”

“No one ever told me to be nervous. Being on stage felt like home because I’d been singing in front of people since I was 3 years old,” she explained.

As Lee got older, her career took off. Nicknamed “Little Miss Dynamite” because of her powerful voice and energy, she became a teen idol. She signed with Decca Records in 1956, recording hits like “Bigelow 6-200,” “Little Jonah,” and “Let’s Jump the Broomstick.”

Her producer, Owen Bradley, encouraged her to try different music styles, which gave her a unique sound blending country, rockabilly, blues, and ballads.

By the 1960s, Lee was a global star with over 55 hits and fans around the world in countries like Japan, Germany, and Great Britain.

Fame brought success, but it also brought love. In 1962, during a concert in Nashville, Lee met her future husband, Ronnie Shacklett. They married on April 24, 1963, starting a partnership that lasted over six decades.

The couple had two daughters, Julie in 1964 and Jolie in 1969. While raising their family, Lee continued to tour and record music, wowing audiences worldwide. In the 1970s, she transitioned to country music and kept achieving success.

One of her biggest moments was when “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart, becoming only the third holiday song ever to do so.

“I like that God gave me the favor to stand back and see that my success wasn’t just me; it was a team of people who made the song great,” she said.

Reflecting on her famous Christmas song, Lee shared how it keeps thriving. “I think I make more now than I did when I was singing,” she joked.

Lee eventually retired, and she credits her husband for making her feel secure about the decision. “I was lucky to have a great husband who saved our money,” she said.

“He had his own business and told me, ‘Honey, you can sing as long as you want, but if you ever want to stop, don’t worry about it.’ That gave me the confidence to retire,” she added.

In the early 2000s, after decades of performing, Lee decided to slow down. Although she loved singing, the constant traveling wore her out.

“I didn’t retire because I didn’t love music. I do. I love the people, the musicians, and the songwriters. But the business had gotten a little crazy, and I didn’t feel like there was a place for what I was doing,” she explained.

“The singing never got old, but the traveling wore my body out,” she said. Looking back, Lee felt no regrets and was thankful for her fans, her career, and the memories.

Retirement gave her time to enjoy life with her family. “I can finally put my kids, grandkids, and friends first. I’m here to see them now,” she said.

Lee has always felt deeply grateful to her fans, calling them like family. Their loyalty and love have been key to her success.

“They know I love them, and I know they love me. Some have been with me since the beginning. Other than God, they’re responsible for who I am. He gave me the gift, but they let me use it,” she said.

Her biggest accomplishment wasn’t awards or records but the deep bond with her fans. “They’re the best. I know when their kids are hurt. They know if something happens in my family. We love each other,” she said.

Now 80, Lee is enjoying retirement. In a recent Instagram post, she shared a clip of herself walking through Target. One fan commented, “National Treasure!” Another wrote, “Such a genuine, beautiful person.”

Brenda Lee’s story is one of amazing talent, resilience, gratitude, and the love of a supportive husband. She remains a beloved icon, and her legacy is as bright as ever.