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Jim Nabors and His Husband of 4 Years Had a Wonderful Love Story before His Death

By Kareena Koirala

Dec 30, 2019

06:00 A.M.

The American actor, comedian, and singer, Jim Nabors, led a wonderful life until his tragic demise in 2017. His career as well as his love with long-time partner, Stan Cadwallader, flourished till the very end.

Nabors was born and raised in Sylacauga, Alabama, since June 12, 1930. The late star moved to southern California due to his asthmatic condition.

Nabors' love life came into the limelight in the '70s after he made a public appearance with his partner, Cadwallader. The pair tied the knot in January 2013 after Washington legalized same-sex marriage.

Jim Nabors when he was promoted to the honorary rank of sergeant during the Marine Corps birthday ball in honor of the 238th birthday of the Marine Corps. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

THE LOVE LIFE OF NABORS

Nabors met his soulmate in Honolulu. Cadwallader was working as a firefighter at the time. Soon, the pair started working together as business associates and entered a romantic relationship.

The "Stroker Ace" star spoke to "Hawaii News" over the phone and revealed that he was always open about his sexuality. Cadwallader was the center of attention when the pair made public appearances.

During the talk, the comedian said, "I haven't ever made a public spectacle of it." He was partnered for 38 years before he got married. At the time, Nabors was 82, and Cadwallader was 64.

THE QUIET MARRIAGE

Talking about his love life, "The Old Rugged Cross" singer revealed that he was happy for having a partner with him for so long and didn't feel the need to tell anyone else about it.

Jim Nabors at the opening of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2008. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

The couple got married quietly as well. They did it in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle in 2013. A judge performed the marriage ceremony in the privacy of their hotel room.

Although Nabors solidified his relationship, he revealed that he was not an "activist" for same-sex marriage and didn't want to debate anyone regarding the matter.

Jim Nabors sings ‘Silent Night’ during the Second Annual Na Mele o na Keiki, 'Music for the Children' at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

THE MARRIAGE RUMORS

Before the vows were made, Nabors had another rumor flying around about his life. The public speculated that he was married to Rock Hudson, shortly before he started dating Cadwallader.

At the time, gay marriage was illegal, and both of them said that they were only friends. The rumors went away, but the two ended up never talking to each other again.

Publicity photo of guest star Molly Picon and Jim Nabors from the television program Gomer Pyle USMC. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

During his final years, Nabors spent his time beside his partner. The star's health was deteriorating rapidly. He did go through a successful open-heart surgery after he contracted Hepatitis B, but the weakness is what got to him.

Cadwallader revealed to "The Washington Post" that he was with Nabors in their home when he passed away. "Everybody knows he was a wonderful man, and that's all we can say about him. He's going to be dearly missed," he said.