The age-defying, father-daughter team of Pat and Debby Boone will be singing two of their big hits from the past this summer.
Without looking to the end of this story, can you guess their ages?
Here’s a hint: Debby Boone’s monster No. 1 “You Light Up My Life” was the biggest chart-topper of the 1970s.
Here’s another: Pat Boone’s “Love Letters in the Sand” was No. 1 for five weeks 60 years ago.
Next month, appropriately, they will sing both of those smash hits together at the Icons of Aging event in La Mirada, California, on behalf of the Season of Life Conference series founded by gerontologist Di Patterson.
What’s their secret?
Pat, a periodic commentary contributor to WND.com, told the Hollywood Reporter: “I’m as healthy as I was at 20. Sure, I inherited good genes, but I’ve never trusted in just that. I’m looking forward to the event so my daughter and I can share our health secrets.”
While performing with her dad is a rare treat these days, Debby Boone says she still sings “You Light Up My Life” regularly.
“The lyrics are transcending,” she said. “Couples use it as their wedding song, parents say it reminds them of their children and some say it has a religious meaning for them.”
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The love song led to Debby Boone winning a Grammy for best new artist in 1977 – 40 years ago. How has the music industry changed since then? She acknowledges she cannot relate to much of the music scene today.
“Times have changed,” she said. “Songs that are hits now would never be hits in 1977. I remember driving my kids to school at 8 a.m. and hearing these really sexual lyrics. But I don’t lament the good-old days. I’m not a curmudgeon. My kids turned out great. Maybe I’ll be horrified all over again when my grandkids listen to those lyrics.”
So, what were your guesses?
Debby Boone is 60 and Pat Boone is 83.
