Guy Hovis, the singer known for his frequent appearances on The Lawrence Welk Show, has passed away at the age of 84, his former wife and longtime musical partner, Ralna English, announced Friday on social media.
English shared the news on Facebook, writing that Hovis had been hospitalized for several weeks. “I spoke briefly with him on Monday and was deeply concerned,” she said. “He took a turn for the worse, and it pains me to tell you that he died peacefully last night.” She added that their family is mourning the loss and thanked supporters for their prayers.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Hovis began singing in church at the age of five. He later studied accounting at the University of Mississippi but left the profession to join the U.S. Army. During his service, he won a talent show and embarked on a six-week performance tour, discovering his passion for music.
After the military, Hovis considered returning to accounting but ultimately followed a friend’s suggestion to perform at the Horn nightclub in Santa Monica, California. There, he was noticed by a producer for TV host Art Linkletter, launching his television career. It was also where he met Ralna English. By 1969, the couple were performing together on The Lawrence Welk Show, where their duo became a fan favorite. They married that same year and continued performing together, even after their divorce in 1984.
Hovis later returned to Mississippi, working in politics with his longtime friend Trent Lott, and performed at President George W. Bush’s 2005 inauguration.
He is survived by his wife Sarah “Sis” Lundy, whom he married in 2002, three children, and five grandchildren.
