Boone recalled the encounter while marking his costar's birthday
Credit: Getty; Pat Boone/X
NEED TO KNOW
- Pat Boone and Shirley Jones starred as love interests in the 1952 romantic musical April Love
- Despite being a romantic film, the two never kissed because Boone was apprehensive about upsetting his wife, Shirley Boone
- At a film screening 50 years later, both Boone and Jones’s spouses agreed to let the two share a kiss. Boone’s wife died years later in 2019
Pat Boone is sharing birthday wishes and special memories with Shirley Jones, who turned 92 on March 31.
The legendary singer, 91, celebrated his April Love costar, marking the occasion with a video message and heartfelt caption.
"Today, I’m sending a very special birthday wish to Shirley Jones. Many of you remember that Shirley and I made the film April Love together, and from that time on, we became very dear friends," he wrote.
"Over the years we’ve shared a lot of wonderful memories, including the day we took a photo together with many others who have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And there she is in the picture, leaning her head right on my shoulder. Shirley, I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years. Happy birthday to you, and many more!"
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Today, I’m sending a very special birthday wish to Shirley Jones. Many of you remember that Shirley and I made the film April Love together, and from that time on we became very dear friends.
Over the years we’ve shared a lot of wonderful memories, including the day we took a… pic.twitter.com/MHEwHr06VG
— ThePatBoone (@Pat_Boone) March 31, 2026
Later, Boone shared a sweet story explaining why the two never kissed in the 1957 romantic musical, despite being love interests in the film. Boone noted that he wanted to make sure the move wouldn't offend his wife, Shirley Boone, who died in 2019 at age 84.
"April Love was my 2nd movie, and what was to be my first movie kiss was 50 years in coming. At the time, I had not discussed with my wife her reaction to my kissing actresses in movies. I balked at the director's proposal, which was not in the script," he recalled.
"When I asked for time to discuss it with my wife and get her permission, with the promise that I wouldn't enjoy it, the time to do it in the film had passed."
"April Love" was my 2nd movie, and what was to be my first movie kiss was 50 years in coming. At the time, I had not discussed with my wife her reaction to my kissing actresses in movies. I balked at the director's proposal, which was not in the script. When I asked for time to… pic.twitter.com/IuRG50F40e
— ThePatBoone (@Pat_Boone) April 1, 2026
He continued, "After 50 years, Shirley and I, and Shirley Jones and her husband, Marty, agreed that we owed each other that one kiss. They both granted permission. But the right moment didn't actually appear until 50 years later, when the refurbished film was being honored at the Egyptian Theatre."
"When the movie ended, the request came in the Q&A, and with both mates looking on, I directed that teenage kiss with Shirley Jones. Luckily, it was photographed and here it is. I'm afraid I broke my promise to my wife. I kissed dear Shirley Jones and I did enjoy it, I must confess. Did she? Ask her."
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