Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Brandi Carlile has firmly established herself as a leading voice in American music over the last two decades. Since her breakthrough with the 2007 album The Story, the Washington-born artist has consistently impressed critics and audiences alike. Her 2015 release, The Firewatcher’s Daughter, garnered her first Grammy nomination, marking a significant step in her acclaimed career. Subsequently, Carlile accumulated numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy wins and nominations for By the Way, I Forgive You (2018), her collaborations on Tanya Tucker’s While I’m Livin’ (2019), and her solo project In These Silent Days (2021). Throughout her illustrious career, Brandi Carlile has secured eleven Grammy Awards and over 25 nominations, achieving recognition across diverse genres from folk and rock to country music.
Away from recording emotionally resonant ballads, producing impactful records, and organizing her female-centric music festival, Girls Just Wanna Weekend, Brandi Carlile cherishes her personal life with her wife, Catherine Shepherd. Married in 2012, the couple has cultivated a life centered on creativity, family, and advocacy.
Explore more about Catherine Shepherd, the woman who captured Brandi Carlile’s heart, and their shared life.
Catherine Shepherd’s Family Background
Daughter of Renowned British Actor
Born in 1975, Catherine Shepherd is the daughter of accomplished actor Jack Shepherd, who is also a recognized playwright, theatre director, and jazz musician. Following her education at James Allen’s Girls’ School, Catherine initially pursued acting, mirroring her father’s career. She later transitioned to become a highly effective charity leader.
Meeting Brandi Carlile
Connection Through Paul McCartney’s Charity Work
Catherine Shepherd dedicated a decade to leading the charity organization for iconic musician Paul McCartney. In this role, she initiated a project that intersected with Brandi Carlile’s philanthropic endeavors. Subsequently, Catherine contacted Carlile to explore the possibility of donating some of Paul McCartney’s memorabilia.
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The initial interactions between Catherine Shepherd and Brandi Carlile were conducted via telephone over a year. Upon their first in-person meeting, Brandi Carlile expressed her surprise at Catherine’s age. “It was quite surprising,” she recounted to People. “Every phone conversation led me to believe I was speaking with someone around 65 years old, perhaps due to her wisdom and composed manner. Maybe I even imagined she was Paul’s age. However, meeting backstage in New York, we discovered we were both around 27.”
Family Life
Shared Children and Family
After their marriage in 2012, Brandi Carlile and Catherine Shepherd expanded their family. They welcomed their first daughter, Evangeline, in 2014, and later their second daughter, Elijah, in 2018.
Public Affection
Brandi Carlile’s Anniversary Tribute
Celebrating their ninth anniversary, Brandi Carlile publicly expressed her affection for Catherine Shepherd in a heartfelt Instagram post, accompanied by a charming photograph of the couple. “Happy anniversary Cath! 9 years! I promise next year will involve activities beyond album promotion,” Carlile wrote. “You infuse every moment with a holiday spirit, and I cherish every second of our time together. My love for you surpasses boats, wine… and perhaps even Elton John…” She playfully concluded, “Thank you for marrying me and embracing American life with brilliant sarcasm.”