Guy Hovis Lawrence Welk Show Star Dies at 84

A beloved voice from the golden era of family variety television has gone silent. Guy Hovis, a mainstay of The Lawrence Welk Show, has died at the age of 84. His former wife and longtime musical partner, Ralna English, announced the news on Friday, sharing that he passed away peacefully on Thursday night after a multi-week hospital stay.

The Legacy of Guy Hovis on The Lawrence Welk Show

Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Hovis didn't initially set out for stardom. He studied accounting at the University of Mississippi before joining the Army. It was a military talent show win that sparked his love for performing, leading him to ditch the ledger books for the spotlight. By 1969, he had teamed up with English on The Lawrence Welk Show, becoming the program's first-ever husband-and-wife duo.

A Rare Partnership and Political Pivot

The couple's chemistry resonated deeply with viewers, earning them a permanent spot on the show for over a decade. Even after their marriage ended in 1984, Hovis and English maintained a professional bond that lasted decades—a rare feat in the entertainment industry. Hovis later transitioned into politics, working for Senator Trent Lott and even performing at the 2005 inauguration of President George W. Bush.

Hovis is survived by his wife, Sarah "Sis" Lundy, whom he married in 2002, along with three children and five grandchildren. His passing marks the loss of a performer who embodied the wholesome charm of 20th-century American entertainment.