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Legendary Singer Brenda Lee Reveals Secret To Her 61-Year Marriage

By Erik Thompson Dec 18, 2024 | 6:00 PM

Brenda Lee once again finds herself near the top of the charts, as her 1958 holiday classic, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week. The 80-year-old music legend is the special guest on the December 17 episode of Southern Living‘s Biscuits and Jam podcast, where she reflected on the continued appeal of her seasonal anthem, as well as the secret to her 61-year marriage to Ronnie Shacklett. “I’m just me, and when I commit, it’s hard to get rid of me, and my husband will tell you that,” said Lee. “I’m loyal to the ones that are loyal to me.” Lee was only 13-years-old when she recorded “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” and earlier this month the holiday classic passed the one billion streams milestone shortly before the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s 80th birthday. “I was dumbfounded when I heard,” Lee said. “I can’t even think that high, much less say it!” (People