“Singing Star Brenda Lee Weds”
That was the headline written by one Gerald Henry after news of the singer’s quiet and unannounced wedding on April 24, 1963, at the Radnor Church of Christ slipped into light.
According to the article, Brenda Lee, 18, exchanged vows with the son of a Metropolitan councilman named Ronnie Shacklett, also 18, of 314 Elberta St., Nashville. Brenda wore a white two-piece suit, and the wedding was witnessed by members of the groom’s family. Sadly, no one from Brenda’s family came to celebrate her special day with her. It was reported that her family did not approve of the wedding and was disappointed that she married Ronnie Shacklett after less than six months of dating.
Dub Allbritten, Brenda Lee’s manager, shared that the couple was supposed to be married after her scheduled May 2 appearance in Copacabana, New York. But apparently, the couple couldn’t wait. Then they headed over to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they spent a few days for their honeymoon.