When you think of classic songs like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or “I’m Sorry,” the name Brenda Lee immediately comes to mind. She is a legend in the music world, known as “Little Miss Dynamite” for her powerful voice and small size. However, behind every great woman is often a supportive partner. For Brenda Lee, that partner is her husband, Ronnie Shacklett.
In a world where celebrity marriages often end in just a few years, the love story of Brenda Lee and Ronnie Shacklett stands out. They have been married for more than 61 years. This is a lifetime of love, trust, and partnership. Many fans want to know more about the man who stole the singer’s heart. Who is he? What did he do for a living? And how have they stayed together for so long?
This article will tell you everything you need to know about Ronnie Shacklett. We will look at his age, his job, his height, and the beautiful family he built with one of the biggest stars in history.
Quick Bio of Ronnie Shacklett
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Charles R. “Ronnie” Shacklett |
| Famous As | Husband of Brenda Lee |
| Date of Birth | Approx. 1944 |
| Current Age | 80s (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Contractor / Construction |
| Height | Over 6 feet (1.83m+) |
| Wife | Brenda Lee |
| Marriage Date | April 24, 1963 |
| Children | Julie Leann & Jolie Lenee |
| Grandchildren | Taylor, Jordan, Charley |
| Residence | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Net Worth | Shared approx. $20 Million |
The Beginning of a Fairy Tale
The story of how Ronnie Shacklett met his future wife sounds like a movie script. It was 1962 in Nashville, Tennessee. Brenda Lee was already a huge star, but she was still just a teenager. She went to a concert at the Fairgrounds Coliseum to see the famous singer Jackie Wilson.
While she was there, she wasn’t just looking at the stage. She saw a young man in the crowd who caught her eye. That young man was Ronnie Shacklett. Brenda later described him as “drop-dead gorgeous.” She felt a connection instantly, saying it was love at first sight. Even though she was famous, she was nervous.
Brenda did something very brave. She wrote her phone number on a piece of paper. She asked a friend to give the note to Ronnie Shacklett. The note explained that she was leaving for a music tour in Europe, but she wanted him to call her when she came back.
Ronnie Shacklett did not throw the note away. He kept it. He waited for her to return. When Brenda got back to the United States, he called her. They went on their first date, and the chemistry was real. They fell in love very quickly. In fact, they only knew each other for about six months before they decided to get married.
The Wedding That Almost Didn’t Happen
Many celebrities have big, expensive weddings with hundreds of guests. Ronnie Shacklett and Brenda Lee did it differently. They decided to elope. This means they ran away to get married secretly.
On April 24, 1963, the couple got married. Brenda was only 18 years old at the time. Because she was so young and famous, many people thought the marriage would not last. People in the music business and the media predicted they would break up quickly. They said they were too young.
However, Ronnie Shacklett and his bride proved everyone wrong. They built a strong foundation from the very first day. The marriage date of April 24 is still celebrated by the couple every year. It marks the start of a partnership that has survived fame, tours, and the challenges of life.
Who Is Ronnie Shacklett?
So, who is this mystery man? While his wife is in the spotlight, Ronnie Shacklett prefers a quieter life. However, there are some interesting facts about him that fans should know.
One of the first things people notice is his height. Brenda Lee is very short, standing only 4 feet 9 inches tall. In contrast, Ronnie Shacklett is a tall man. Reports say he is over 6 feet tall. When they stand next to each other, the height difference is very clear. Brenda often jokes about this. She says she likes looking up to him. This difference in how tall is Ronnie Shacklett compared to his wife adds to their charm as a couple.
Another common question is, “What did Ronnie Shacklett do for a living?” He was not a singer or an actor. Ronnie Shacklett worked as a contractor in the construction industry. He was a hard-working businessman. Later in life, he also helped manage some of the family’s business affairs. His job kept him grounded. He was a normal guy with a normal job, which helped balance Brenda’s crazy schedule as a performer.
Regarding his age, Ronnie Shacklett was born around 1944. This makes him very close in age to Brenda. As of today, he is in his 80s. He has lived a full life, watching the world change while staying by his wife’s side.
The Secret: “We Just Fit”
Why has their marriage lasted for over 61 years? This is the question everyone asks. In recent interviews, both Brenda and Ronnie Shacklett have shared their secrets.
Brenda jokingly said in an interview, “It’s hard to get rid of me!” She has a great sense of humor, and so does Ronnie. They laugh together often. Laughter is a big part of their relationship. Ronnie Shacklett is not just her husband; he is her best friend.
Another key factor is that Ronnie Shacklett never tried to compete with Brenda. He was secure in his own skin. He did not mind that his wife was famous. He supported her career 100%. He was her biggest fan, but he was also the person who told her the truth.
Brenda has said, “We just fit.” It is a simple explanation, but it is true. Their personalities match. Ronnie Shacklett is calm and steady, while Brenda is full of energy. They balance each other out. They also believe in the old-fashioned idea of commitment. When they said their vows in 1963, they meant them forever.
Building a Family Together
Ronnie Shacklett and Brenda Lee wanted more than just fame and money. They wanted a family. They worked hard to give their children a normal life. They lived in Nashville, not Hollywood. They wanted their kids to grow up in a stable home.
The couple has two daughters. Their names are Julie Leann Shacklett and Jolie Lenee Shacklett.
- Julie Leann was born in 1964, shortly after they got married.
- Jolie Lenee was born in 1969.
Ronnie Shacklett was a very involved father. Because Brenda had to travel for her music, Ronnie was often the one holding down the fort at home. He made sure the girls went to school and had a regular childhood.
Their daughter, Jolie Shacklett, holds a special place in music history. When she was a baby, her crying was recorded and used on one of Brenda’s tracks. It is a fun fact that the family still laughs about.
Today, the family has grown even bigger. Ronnie Shacklett and Brenda are proud grandparents. They have three grandchildren named Taylor, Jordan, and Charley. For Ronnie Shacklett, family is the most important thing in the world. He loves spending time with his grandkids and watching them grow.
Is Ronnie Shacklett Still Alive?
Yes, Ronnie Shacklett is still alive. As of late 2025, he is living happily in Nashville with Brenda. Although he is in his 80s, he is doing well.
Sometimes, rumors spread on the internet asking about his health or if he has passed away. Fans search for “Ronnie Shacklett obituary” or “is Ronnie Shacklett still alive.” The answer is that he is very much alive.
He does not make many public appearances anymore because he enjoys his privacy. However, he is sometimes seen at special events. For example, when Brenda Lee is honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ronnie Shacklett is usually there. He sits in the audience and cheers for her, just like he did in 1962.
Ronnie Shacklett Net Worth and Lifestyle
People are also curious about money. What is Ronnie Shacklett’s net worth? It is hard to put an exact number on just his wealth because he and Brenda have been married for so long. They share everything.
Brenda Lee has an estimated net worth of around $20 million. This money comes from her hit songs, record sales, and tours. Since Ronnie Shacklett has been her partner for 61 years, this is their shared wealth.
However, Ronnie Shacklett also made his own money. As a successful contractor, he had a good income. He did not rely only on his wife. Together, they have lived a comfortable life. They live in a nice home in Nashville, but they are not flashy. They do not spend money on crazy things. They prefer to spend their money on their family and their home comfort.
A Love That Inspires Others
The relationship between Brenda Lee and Ronnie Shacklett is an inspiration. In the music industry, there are many temptations. Artists are away from home for months. It is easy for marriages to fall apart.
Ronnie Shacklett dealt with all of this. He trusted Brenda, and she trusted him. They talked on the phone every day when she was away. When she was home, she was not “Brenda Lee the Star.” She was just Brenda, the wife and mother. Ronnie Shacklett made sure she felt normal.
One story Brenda tells is about how Ronnie Shacklett accepted her for who she was. She was a child star who grew up in the public eye. She had a lot of pressure on her. Ronnie was her safe place. With him, she could relax. He didn’t care about the charts or the awards. He cared about her heart.
Recent Updates on Ronnie Shacklett
In recent years, Ronnie Shacklett has slowed down. He is enjoying his retirement. He spends his days at home, surrounded by memories of a life well-lived.
He and Brenda still celebrate their anniversary every April. For their 60th anniversary, there were many articles celebrating their love. It is a milestone that very few people reach. Ronnie Shacklett has been there for every up and down.
Fans love to see Ronnie Shacklett photos from the past and present. The old photos show a handsome, tall young man in suits. The new photos show a sweet, elderly man with a kind smile. In every photo, he is usually looking at Brenda with love in his eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Ronnie Shacklett?
Ronnie Shacklett is a former contractor and the devoted husband of music legend Brenda Lee. They have been married since 1963. - How long have Brenda Lee and Ronnie Shacklett been married?
The couple has been married for over 61 years. They eloped and tied the knot on April 24, 1963. - What did Ronnie Shacklett do for a living?
He worked as a contractor in the construction industry and also helped manage some of his family’s business affairs. - Do Ronnie Shacklett and Brenda Lee have children?
Yes, they have two daughters, Julie Leann and Jolie Lenee, and three grandchildren named Taylor, Jordan, and Charley. - Is Ronnie Shacklett still alive?
Yes, Ronnie Shacklett is still alive and lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife.
Conclusion
Ronnie Shacklett may not be a famous singer, but he is a legend in his own way. He is the man who stood beside Brenda Lee for over six decades. He is a father, a grandfather, and a devoted husband.
From their chance meeting at a Jackie Wilson concert to eloping in 1963, their story is beautiful. Ronnie Shacklett proved that a normal guy can win the heart of a superstar. His work as a contractor, his tall height, and his steady personality were exactly what Brenda needed.
Today, Ronnie Shacklett continues to live a quiet, happy life in Nashville. He and Brenda show us that true love is real. They show us that “fitting together” is the best secret to a happy marriage. In a world that changes so fast, the love between Brenda Lee and Ronnie Shacklett remains constant and strong.
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