Super Bowl LX kicked off with a bang on Sunday, and while all eyes were on the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, it was Brandi Carlile who stole the pregame show.
The 44-year-old singer-songwriter delivered a crushing, acoustic rendition of “America the Beautiful” that left the stadium in awe. Accompanied only by a cello and violin player, Carlile stripped the standard down to its emotional core, proving once again why she is one of the most vital voices in American music.
While Charlie Puth followed with a solid “Star-Spangled Banner,” Carlile was the clear standout. As a Ravensdale, Washington native and lifelong Seahawks fan, her performance felt personal, powerful, and perfectly tuned for the moment.
But behind every great performance is a great support system. For Carlile, that support comes from her wife, manager, and creative partner, Catherine Shepherd.
Meet Catherine Shepherd: The Woman Behind the Music
While Brandi commands the stage, Catherine Shepherd is the force helping steer the ship. As of June 2024, Catherine officially took over as Brandi’s manager and creative director, solidifying their status as a true power couple in the music industry.
Here are five things you need to know about the woman standing beside the Super Bowl performer.
1. She Has Rock ‘n’ Roll Royalty Roots
Catherine was born in London in 1975 to British actor Jack Shepherd, known for his work in The Golden Compass and Midsomer Murders. But her musical connections run even deeper. For a decade, Catherine worked as the personal assistant to Sir Paul McCartney, coordinating his charitable endeavors.
2. Their “Old Soul” Meet-Cute
The couple’s love story began over the phone in 2009. Catherine reached out to discuss donating Beatles memorabilia to Brandi’s “Fight the Fear” campaign. They spent a year communicating via phone and email before ever meeting in person.
“It was shocking to say the least,” Brandi told People in 2021. “Every time I talked to her over the phone, I thought I was talking to somebody who was like 65 years old… because of her wisdom and her demeanor.”
When they finally met backstage in New York City in 2010, Brandi was surprised to find a 27-year-old peer instead of the retiree she had imagined.
3. A Wedding to Remember
The couple married in September 2012, just months before same-sex marriage was legalized in Brandi’s home state of Washington. The wedding was “completely awkward and human and beautiful,” featuring a sick dog, a missing priest, and a last-minute stand-in officiant.
4. She is a Philanthropic Force
Before becoming Brandi’s manager, Catherine served as the executive director of the Looking Out Foundation. Co-founded by Carlile, the foundation supports humanitarian efforts and mental health initiatives, raising millions for causes around the globe.
5. A Musical Family
Brandi isn’t the only one with musical chops. Catherine plays guitar and sings, often jamming with Brandi at home. Together, they are raising two daughters, Evangeline Ruth (11) and Elijah (7), in a household filled with music, advocacy, and love.
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