Country Love Story – Larry Gatlin and Janis Ross 55th Wedding Anniversary

Larry Gatlin and Janis Ross have been married since August 9, 1969.

The loving couple are the proud parents of two children (Josh and Kristin) and have been married for over 55 years..

Larry Gatlin, one of the most iconic voices in country music, is known not only for his award-winning career but also for his enduring love story with his wife, Janis Ross Gatlin. The couple’s relationship is a testament to their shared values of love, faith, and commitment. Here’s a closer look at their remarkable journey together.

Larry was born May 2, 1948 in Texas.  He went on to become a highly successful American country and Southern gospel singer and songwriter. He formed a trio with his younger brothers Steve and Rudy.  The trio achieved considerable success within the country music genre, performing on 33 top-40 singles (combining his solo recordings and those with his brothers). As their fame grew, the band became known as Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers.

The Gatlin Brothers

Larry Gatlin is known for his tenor voice.  His peak success was achieved with the country songs he wrote and recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of Gatlin’s biggest hits include “Broken Lady”, “All the Gold in California”, “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You)”, “She Used to Be Somebody’s Baby”, and “Night time magic”.   Larry joined the Grand Ole Opry with his brothers in 1976.  The Gatlin Brothers had a long string of country hits from 1974 through 1988, with three of their 17 top 10 songs reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s country singles chart.  Their three #1 hits included:  “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love” (1978); “All the Gold in California” (1979); and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You” (1983).

The Larry Gatlin and Janis Ross marriage is one of the longer running country music marriages. Congrats to this couple for reaching their 55th Wedding Anniversary !  In an interview, Larry shared one of the secrets to their long lasting marriage, “My wife Janis and I have an almost nightly ritual. Rarely does a bedtime go by that Janis doesn’t look over to me and say, “Honey, thank you for providing me with this warm bed and this wonderful house. We are very blessed.” I always say, “Yes, darlin’ we are very blessed.” Thank you for being here when I come home dog tired from another road trip, and for giving me your unconditional love. I am a very blessed man to have you.”

Larry Gatlin and Janis Ross

Janis Ross Gatlin has largely kept a low public profile, choosing to support her husband and family from behind the scenes. Described by Larry as the rock of their family, Janis is a devoted wife and mother who has played a pivotal role in Larry’s success both on and off the stage.

Their relationship began in the 1960s when Larry met Janis at the University of Houston. The two quickly fell in love, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Over the years, Janis has been by Larry’s side, weathering the ups and downs of a life in the spotlight with grace and resilience.

Larry’s 2015 memoir, “All the Gold in California and Other People, Places & Things”, touches on his personal life, including his relationship with Janis. In it, he describes her as the love of his life and credits her unwavering support as a cornerstone of his success.

Remember to “share” the Larry Gatlin and Janis Ross love story with other Country Music fans.