Even though some people are fortunate to have large families, there are times when individuals find themselves living alone. This doesn’t mean that their loved ones care any less about them. Often, it’s because their children have grown up and started their own families. However, contrary to what some might think, living alone isn’t always a negative experience. Take the example of the legendary musician Pat Boone, who has been residing in his Beverly Hills mansion for quite some time.

Patrick Charles Eugene Boone was born on June 1, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, and rose to fame in the 1950s. According to Billboard, he was the second-biggest charting artist of the late 1950s, just behind Elvis Presley. However, starting in the 1960s, Boone shifted his focus to gospel music and was later inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

At 23, Boone became the host of a half-hour variety TV show, “The Pat Boone Chevrolet Showroom,” which aired 115 episodes between 1957 and 1960.

At the tender age of sixteen, Pat fell deeply in love with his high school sweetheart, Shirley. He was always drawn to her, but when he learned that her family was moving away, he decided to approach Shirley’s father, Red Foley, and ask for her hand in marriage. Her father agreed.

Pat married Shirley at 19, and they were blessed with four daughters: Cherry, Lindy, Laury, and singer Debby Boone, who is best known for her hit song “You Light Up My Life.”

Although Debby’s grandfather Foley and her father Pat were both accomplished musicians, Debby and her sisters owe much of their musical talent to their mother, Shirley, who played a significant role in nurturing their musical interests.

“When I was younger, my mother would teach my sisters and me how to sing in four-part harmony and have us perform for guests. Even though I was just a little girl, people noticed me because I had a strong voice,” Debby told Closer Weekly in August 2020.

In the 1970s, Debby and her sisters formed a pop-singing trio called The Boone Girls. They were even described by Variety as “one of the most talked-about shows of this or any previous season.” Unfortunately, the band didn’t last long, as Cherry battled anorexia nervosa and Debby pursued a solo career.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Pat and Shirley maintained a strong relationship. One of the key factors in their successful marriage was their shared religious beliefs, which Pat credits for guiding him to make positive decisions in his life.

In an August 2020 interview with Closer Weekly, Pat said, “We made our promise in marriage to God and to each other. We have the freedom to make our own choices, but we receive help from a higher power.” He added, “I’m willing to be guided in doing the right things, so I ask for that guidance.”

Pat’s faith has always been strong, and he has demonstrated it in difficult times, such as when his grandson Ryan, Linda’s son, was severely injured after falling three stories.

“There are consequences to actions, but God says, ‘I’ll walk through it with you,’” Pat said in a 2013 interview with TODAY.

“He didn’t even stop the death of His own son because there was a purpose in it,” Pat continued.

In 2019, after a year-long battle with vasculitis, Shirley passed away. Since then, Pat has moved into his own home in Beverly Hills. Pat and Shirley had four daughters, fifteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Despite living alone, Pat has found comfort in the companionship of his dog.

“I’m living here alone with a housekeeper and my little cocker spaniel. He’s my only companion. His name is Shadow,” Pat said. “It’s just me and my shadow; we’re all alone, and I’m feeling blue.”

Although Pat has been doing well, he admitted that he misses his late wife. “I couldn’t be happier. I mean, I miss her,” he noted.

In an interview with PEOPLE following Shirley’s passing, Pat expressed gratitude for the 65 wonderful years he had with her. He also shared his belief that they will be reunited one day, explaining that they had simply “moved addresses.”

“We had a beautiful and blessed life together for 65 years. I’m temporarily separated from my better half… but we don’t die, we just move on to another place, and today was moving day,” Pat told PEOPLE. “She’s changed her address, that’s all, and moved to a new home, which I look forward to joining her in someday.”

Pat concluded by saying, “I have great faith in that. It eased some of the pain today because we know we’ll be together again and start over.”