CHECK OUT THIS STORY OF MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE, NORAH LEE!!!

Beverly Keel

Yesterday at 5:53 PM · 

Today I celebrate Norah Lee Allen, a well-known background vocalist and beloved member of the Grand Ole Opry since the eighties.

Today as I think about the uncertainty in the world, I have chosen to spotlight someone who supports others. I can think of no better person than Norah Lee, who has dedicated her personal and professional life to supporting others, making others look and sound better and helping their dreams come true.

As a vocalist, the Bowling Green, KY, native is focused on making the lead singer(s) sound their best. She follows their lead, making the necessary adjustments in her own performance to create the perfect blend. She has never sought the spotlight, even though she has the talent and charisma to easily claim center stage.

Norah Lee has an impressive country music resume. Before joining the historic Opry, she toured with the legendary group The Chuck Wagon Gang. She also served as a session singer and background singer on numerous TV shows. Some of her memorable performances include singing with the renowned Grand Opera bass Jerome Hines and with Conway Twitty when he worked his first run at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas.

Earlier this week, I saw a video of her singing with Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys. In addition, she has performed with Garrison Keillor, Garth Brooks, Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff.

But you would be hard-pressed to find much about her online or in the press, and I assume that is her choice. She is the least-famous celebrity you can find, and she prefers it that way. Everyone who is anyone know who she is, from presidents to the biggest names in entertainment and business. But she lives her life under the radar, letting her talent speak for itself.

In fact, the only YouTube video I found of her talking featured her discussing someone else -- the late Minnie Pearl. There are a few videos of her singing with her family, but nothing that puts her in the spotlight. (I don't think she is even on Facebook. Maybe her daughter will show her this post.)

I have to mention the obvious: Norah Lee is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen in person. Her beauty is breathtaking; indeed, I find myself staring at her face, processing her flawless skin and perfect features, every time I see her. Her beauty is feminine, delicate, Southern and ladylike. She dresses in an understated manner, always appropriate and flattering, yet never designed to draw the notice of others. Always in total control in words and deed, she is precise in her movements and actions. She doesn't go big to get more attention.

She is simultaneously gentle and strong. Her approach and demeanor are soft, but she remains the unshakeable foundation of her family and the Opry. She is substance and depth personified.

She is half of one of the most-enduring marriages in entertainment. She is married to Duane Allen, the handsome lead singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, and they have two children -- Jamie Allen Martin and Dee Allen.

I can't imagine that it has always been easy being married to Duane. Although he is dreamy, he has been one of the biggest stars in country music, which meant he was gone a lot. (Don't tell Duane, but his poster was on my wall in high school.) I'm sure she had her hands full raising two children when Duane was away so much on the road, and likely exhausted when he was home. But if it was difficult for her, I am sure she never complained. That's not her style.

Her children are as different as they could be, and Norah Lee has nurtured and supported both of them, allowing them to become the best versions of themselves without pressuring them to follow in their parents' footsteps.

I wish I could adequately describe how much she loves her children. When you talk to her, you can feel it exude from her individual cells. She is so proud of them.

I haven't had the pleasure of seeing them with her grandchildren, but I can only imagine the love fest that occurs.

In addition to being an artist herself, she is the wife, mother and grandmother of artists. Jamie and her family, including husband Paul Martin and their four children, have formed the group Rockland Road, so the tradition extends to the next generation.

I can't think of Norah Lee without thinking quickly of God because she is a tremendous woman of faith. She is the kind of person who lives what they believe on a daily basis. She loves all and doesn't judge anyone, even when others are. She's the kind of person who will call out of the blue because her heart told her to.

I have so much admiration for Norah Lee, who is an angel on earth. She embodies everything Christians are told they should be, with all of the good stuff and none of the bad stuff that is too frequently demonstrated by some.

Today I am delighted to celebrate Norah Lee, who makes me feel safe and loved, even when I am just thinking about her. I can't think of a better thing to say about a friend! I need to be more like her. She is a wonderful role model and I am blessed to know her.