PAT BOONE I’ve Got MORE TO DO

At 88, the singer, actor and writer has wisdom to share and a new song to sing

Toward the end of production on the film April Love, the director thought Pat Boone should kiss his leading lady, actress Shirley Jones. Pat protested because the kiss wasn't in the script so he hadn't discussed it with his wife yet. "The Hollywood Reporter and Variety came out with a story that 'Pat Boone refuses to kiss his leading lady because of religious reasons.' It wasn't that - I just wanted to stay married!" Pat tells Closer with a laugh. In the end, Pat's wife gave her blessing and the smooch wound up in the hit 1957 musical.

Now 88, Pat remains as feisty-and wholesome - as ever! The singer, actor and author has a new book, If, being readied for a Sept. 21 release. "I'm still at it, recording and writing - although I don't expect to write another book," says the performer, who also recently started a video podcast. "There is just so much that occupies my daily life."

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in a wonderful, close-knit family. Daddy was a building contractor and architect; Mama was a registered nurse. I have a brother and two sisters. We were a churchgoing family. When I came along, we were in the early struggling days with my dad and his contracting company in Nashville. It became very successful, but at first it was a struggle for him economically.

Did your parents try to protect you from that financial hardship as a child?

We never knew that we were sort of below the median level because there was always food on the table. But we didn't have a car until I was in the eighth grade, which was embarrassing. We had daddy's pickup truck with the Boone Contracting Company advertisement on the side and a wood bench in the back for Nick and me. Daddy finally answered all of our pleading and bought a black two-door Chevy. The only accessory was a heater - no radio, just a heater. To me, that was the most beautiful car I had ever seen.