Shirley Jones’ Turbulent Life: From Forbidden Love to Family Triumph

Shirley Jones, the renowned actress and singer, celebrates her 89th birthday today, reflecting on a life filled with love, loss, and triumph. Her journey has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by a forbidden love affair, a complicated blended family, and a successful career that has spanned decades.

Jones’ life took a dramatic turn when she met Jack Cassidy, a charming and handsome actor who was still married to his wife, Evelyn Ward. Despite the obstacles, they fell deeply in love, and their romance blossomed during a European tour of the musical “Oklahoma!” in 1955.

However, their love was put to the test when Cassidy’s son, David, called him on the eve of their wedding, asking why he was marrying someone else. This emotional confrontation was orchestrated by Ward, who was determined to sabotage their union.

Despite the challenges, Jones and Cassidy married in 1956 and went on to have three sons, Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan. However, their blended family faced many hurdles, particularly with David, who struggled to accept Jones as his stepmother.

Over time, Jones and David formed a close bond, which was strengthened during their time together on the set of the popular TV show “The Partridge Family.” David eventually came to regard Jones as a role model and a source of comfort, particularly during his complicated relationship with his father.

Jones’ marriage to Cassidy ended in divorce in 1975, but she has always spoken fondly of their time together. She later married actor and comedian Marty Ingels in 1977 and has been proud of her blended family, which has grown to include 13 grandchildren.

As Jones celebrates her 89th birthday, she looks back on a life filled with love, laughter, and tears. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains proud of her family and her accomplishments, both on and off the screen.

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