Legendary vocalist Pat Boone took to the Coach House stage on Saturday evening for what he called his final performance on the West Coast. After spending nearly six decades in Southern California, Boone gracefully bid farewell to his devoted fans.

Reflecting on his decision, Boone shared a wise lesson passed down from his father. “I won’t promise anything except I won’t promise anything,” he recalled with a smile. Making a promise and failing to keep it, his father believed, was a grave mistake.

“This is indeed the end,” Boone said thoughtfully, considering his future after his appearances in Branson, Missouri, and his birthplace, Nashville. As he confessed to his fans, he did not want his exit to be due to advancing age or any health condition. Instead, he wanted to leave on his own terms, serenading his audience while standing tall.

Now 87 years old, Boone had contemplated this decision for some time, especially since the passing of his beloved wife, Shirley Boone, a year ago. The couple had been married for an astonishing 65 years.

“It’s been an emotional journey,” Boone confessed, his face softening. “Keeping busy kept me going, but I realize it took a toll on me emotionally. I needed distractions to keep my thoughts occupied.”

Boone’s Beverly Hills home, where he and Shirley had found love for the past 60 years, now feels empty. However, the legendary singer expressed his desire to continue living there, as he believes Shirley’s soul will forever reside within its walls. Looking at the countless photographs adorning the walls, he feels her presence and finds himself tearing up.

Despite the emotional strain he has experienced since Shirley’s passing, Boone maintained his optimism for his final performance at the Coach House. He vowed to showcase his six-decade career that spanned pop, gospel, country, early rock, and even heavy metal genres.

Excitedly discussing his song choices, Boone mentioned beloved classics like “When the Swallows Return to Capistrano,” a rare addition to his setlist. He also expressed his intention to include songs from his film soundtracks, such as “April Love” and the poignant “Exodus,” for which he personally wrote the lyrics.

But in a surprising twist, Boone announced his plan to perform a track from “Metal Mood” – his album where he took on unexpected heavy metal hits. He excitedly mentioned his rendition of Deep Purple’s iconic “Smoke On The Water.”

And of course, Boone made it clear that he would honor his late wife Shirley with a dedicated song titled “You and I.” Inspired by a heartfelt conversation they had about the movie “The Notebook” in their Hawaiian home, the song beautifully captures their love and hopes for eternity.

“We wondered if we’d still be married in heaven,” Boone reflected. “I hope we’ll be Pat and Shirley Boone in heaven, not just two ethereal beings.”

As Pat Boone bid farewell to the West Coast, it was evident that his final concert would be an emotional journey filled with cherished memories, captivating songs, and heartfelt gratitude to his devoted fans.