LETTERS FROM RALNA


Ralna uses this page periodically to communicate with her fans.
She'll write little messages as time permits,
or send updates from on the road.
It's a great way for us to hear from Ralna directly! ______________________________________________________________________________________
7-29-08:  Hi Everybody!
Well, hopefully you have seen my new, updated website and are as pleased as I am with the new look. Susie Dowdy at Media Entertainment did a thoughtful, fabulous job in creating this, and making it something I am so proud of. Thank you, Susie!

Let us know what you think and if you are as pleased as I am...(email me at ralnaenglish@aol.com).

In the next few weeks, we will add some audio and video clips to my website, and I should have more tour dates soon...so keep checking back. Also, in the next year, we're going to try something new and see how it works. You'll be able to talk to me through the internet, for about 45 minutes several times a year. I will access the internet from a computer at Media Entertainment, and answer any questions you have, or just say 'hi.'  Our first 'chat' date will be posted soon! This is something I am very excited about and looking forward to...and hopefully you will be too!

Hope you're having a good summer. Mine has been filled with workouts at the gym, water aerobics, and lots of R&R. I'm feeling so much better and want to thank all of you who have kept me in prayer.

All my love,
Ralna
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5-22-08: Hi Everybody!
Just an update on my condition. Seems like everyone has been asking Judy about me…so here it is…"I am coming along." That's what I like to say these days. It's going to be awhile, I can tell, before I feel like "Ralna" again. That said, I am back to playing tennis and performing and loving each day!
Thank you for your prayers and concern for me.

Good news…Guy and I will be releasing, within the next three weeks, a new CD entitled, "Only You." We dedicated this to all of you who have been so supportive of us for all these years…hope you like it!
Also, new photos to come soon…watch my website for them.  I will be going to Hawaii next week with my oldest and dearest friend, Monette, for a much needed vacation and will take lots of photos.
All my love,
Ralna

4-17-08: Hi Everybody,

I'm so excited for one of our very own Welk Stars.

Gail Farrell's song, "You Can Do Anything," has been chosen as one of the 20 finalists of "American Idol's Winning Song of the Year," to be sung by the winner of "American Idol."

Please go to www.americanidol.com and click on Idol Songwriter, register to vote, then once you're registered, go to "vote for your favorite song" and vote for Gail's song entitled, "You Can Do Anything."

We want her to win! Good luck Gail we're all rooting for you!

Love,
Ralna

12-21-07: Merry Christmas everyone!
I have had an eventful last few months and I am so happy now to have the holiday season to just relax with friends and family.

I pray your holiday season is richly blessed and that the New Year brings you peace and joy.

Julie is visiting her Dad and Sis and all her Mississippi relatives for a few days after Christmas and Gramma gets to keep her Granddog while she's gone. I can't wait!

May the true spirit of Christmas fill your hearts this season and comfort you each and every day.

Merry Christmas!
Love, Ralna
11-19-07:
Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
This fall has just been glorious. Getting to experience the fall in New Hampshire and Rhode Island was so special. The trees were red, yellow and orange and every shade in between. What a privilege to see God's handiwork in action!

I hope you are all enjoying beautiful weather wherever you are. We are in the upper 70s and 80s now--perfect tennis weather.

I have some time off right now and I am so grateful for my life here in Arizona. I am blessed with wonderful friends and having Julie here and my granddog, Popcorn--what more could I want!!

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with peace and gratitude and that you are surrounded by people you love.

All My Love,
Ralna

10-4-07
Hi Everybody!
Well, summer is gone and the autumn weather is glorious.

I am ready for a great new year and especially two more seasons of "The Lawrence Welk Show" on public television! Yes, as many of you know, we are signed-up again! Who'd a thunk it?

Guy and I have several dates coming up that we are really looking forward to, but especially a new, mostly-patriotic show we are putting together for Providence, Rhode Island, Veterans' Day, November 11. We are so proud to honor our wonderful veterans--and on that day especially.

Life is good and I am looking forward to the holidays. I know it can also be hard, but keeping our eye on the good in our life can get us through a lot. Keep the faith, my friends, and remember, two of the most important things in life (shared with me many years ago by my friend Ralph Portner) -- "Attitude and Gratitude."

God Bless us all,
Ralna

P.S. Thank you for remembering the families of Charlie Parlato, Mahlon Clark and Ralph Portner in your prayers. They were part of the 'Musical Family' history and will be greatly missed.
7-3-07: Hi Everybody!
And welcome home to all who joined us on the fabulous cruise to Alaska.

Everyone I've talked to has had nothing but good things to say about our wonderful time together.

Thanks to all who joined us and thanks to Kevin Lonseth with MET Tours for helping to make our time together so special.

It was such a dream to me--to be able to bring the family together and to have so many fans and friends there enjoying each other and beautiful Alaska!

I feel so blessed to be where I am in my life right now. I just could not be more grateful for the gifts God has given me.

Sis sent me some pictures and I took many of my own with my new digital camera...look for them on my website sometime next week!

Thank you again for sharing in this beautiful memory with me.

Love, Ralna
P.S. I hope all of you on the cruise enjoyed my little gift of the hats and the pens...what a great party! Thank you all for being there.
6-1-07: Hi Everybody!
Well, are you getting as excited as we are about the cruise? It's only weeks away and there is much hustle and bustle going on here!

I am thrilled so many of you wanted to come and share in my big birthday bash celebration.

The weather, hopefully, will be good and I plan to layer and bring a good windbreaker rain jacket.

Guy and I are looking forward to performing for you all and hope you will enjoy our show.

Let's all have the best time of our lives cruising the inside passage to Alaska on the beautiful Sun Princess!

Bon Voyage!
Ralna
1-3-07: Happy New Year!
It is going to be a good year. I have had good news in just these three days of the new year about two of my friends' good health when none was expected. It encourages me and lifts my spirit to feel they are going to make it.

Health is so important and I must tell you that both of my friends have extremely positive thoughts and great expectations. What a lesson for me!

Christmas was glorious here in Scottsdale with my sister, Jane, her husband, Robert, Julie and her beau, Christopher, my granddog and good friends sharing the holiday spirit and the blessed gift of this season, the birth of the Christ child. What a wonderful, magical Christmas I had this year.

God bless you all and may 2007 bring you health, joy, love and peace.

All My Love,
Ralna
12-19-06: Hi Everybody and Happy Holidays to you All!
I hope your holiday season is going as well as mine. I'm planning a big Christmas week with my sister, Jane and her hubby, Robert, here from California. We have lots of parties and fun times planned for the week they are here.

I'm cooking and wrapping and cleaning right now. All with Christmas music playing throughout my house. This is my favorite time of year and I'm so grateful to be home.

God bless you all and thank you for your warm thoughts and gifts to me.

Watch for the special in March! We finally finished it yesterday!

Merry Christmas and Happy 2007
Ralna
10-2-06: Hi Everybody!
I just finished the new "Ralna English: From My Heart" special and we are heading back home. There are still finishing touches, but we are happy with the results and hope you will be too.

The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra was wonderful under the direction of Maestro Albert Moehring. The Philharmonic Gospel Choir was phenomenal. Our production crew, editor and audio director were tops.

Thank you so much to those of you who attended and made this a very special evening for me!

The special will air on PBS stations nationwide as a fundraiser during their 17 day pledge drive beginning March 3. So, please check your TV guide and hopefully you will tune-in and make it a point to support your local station that evening!

With Love and Thanks,
Ralna
8-12-06: Hi Everyone,
I am thrilled to let you know of another milestone in the history of Childhelp. The national Registry Bill was attached to the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, and was signed into law by the President.

Thanks to all of you who have supported Childhelp with your donations and prayers. You have made it possible to save many lives through your support.

Thank you for celebrating in this victory with Childhelp.

God Bless You,
Ralna
7-10-06: Hi Everyone,
It's been a while since I have written to my website and a lot has taken place over this first part of the summer. Specifically, my big 3-week-long birthday party - 3 cakes in all and too many dinners to count!

Thanks to a very generous fan, along with the help of another longtime fan, I had an unbelievable birthday bash in Bear Creek Farms, Indiana. The whole party was over the top with great food, cake, champagne, balloons, decorations, nostalgic pictures in frames and more! I was overwhelmed and especially for so many of you to come and join me for the special occasion.

Thank you for all the lovely gifts. Please accept this as my official thanks to each of you who were so generous. Because my time is so limited these days, and because it appears that it will continue that way, it's just not going to be possible for me to send personal notes now or in the future. Please know that the most cherished gift that you can give, bar none, is your presence and support in my career and in my continuing endeavors. I need your support now more than ever, especially in this coming year. It is one of the most important times in my career since I began this journey 50 years ago. I am full of gratitude for all that is coming my way and I am grateful to all of you who are sharing this journey with me.

All My Love,
Ralna
4-24-06: Hi Everybody!
I'm on a plane going home from Moline, Illinois. Guy and I really enjoyed our time there. Thanks to all of you who came to see our show. WQPT made us feel so welcome and seemed to be happy with our performance, which means a lot.

The same goes for the Canadian Tour with the "LIVE Lawrence Welk Show." We had a lot of fun...it was one of the best tours we've ever done and as always, it was great seeing so many come out to support us along the way.

I hope your summer is full of fun and laughter. I am looking forward to a great summer in Scottsdale with lots of spa time! I will also spend part of the summer preparing for my very special concert in Charlotte, NC, on September 23rd.

Hope to see you in my travels this summer.
Love,
Ralna
1-29-06: Hi Everybody,
I have not stopped since I returned home from Escondido.
I have pictures from Thanksgiving, the 11th Annual Welk Christmas in Escondido, a cute picture of two of my Scottsdale tennis pals in front of my little Christmas tree and pictures from the Hollywood Premiere I attended shortly after I returned from Escondido. More will be coming soon from the Barrett-Jackson "Drive the Dream" Gala here in Scottsdale which benefited Childhelp.

I hope to get some R&R in February because March is going to be a string of one-nighters across Canada with the "Live" Lawrence Welk Show on Tour and I need to be prepared to take on Canada's weather!

The best to all of you and a big "thank you" to all who made my holiday season very special!

Love, Ralna
PS...Click here to find out all about my new PBS TV special!
12-1-05: Happy Holidays!
My holiday season will be here in Escondido at the Welk Resort and so far, it's been great!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and a great big 23 lb. turkey!

The show is really fun and has the best cast ever. Mary Lou did a fabulous job putting it together. It's great to see so many of our fans in the audience. Thank you for being so supportive. Ken and I will be doing 10 shows a week from here to the end of the run, so come see us if you can. We have a great time together and everyone seems to really like the show.

I pray you have a blessed holiday season full of festivities with family and friends and the joy, love and peace that this season brings to us with the celebration of the birth of the Christ child.

Love,
Ralna
10-22-05:
Hi Everybody! Well, it's cooling off here in Arizona. I hope your weather is as beautiful as ours.

I'm getting ready for Escondido right now and have lots of new music to learn. I talked to Ken Delo last night (he and Marilyn have moved to Arizona not too far from me!) and we are looking forward to doing the show together. However, we really have our work cut out for us with all the new music and rehearsals!

I love the Welk Resort in Escondido and especially the people. It's really going to be a darling show and I look forward to seeing some of you there.

Many of you have asked about Guy & Sis. Sis came with Guy last week when we performed at the South Carolina State Fair and they really needed to get away. They enjoyed their time together away but Guy says it will take a long time to rebuild his precious Mississippi. I've never known anyone who loved his home state more than Guy Hovis.

Even with the tragedies come hope and love. The wonderful heart-warming stories we've seen and heard recently have given us all a sense of our humanity. We are all in this life here together. What a comforting thing to know.

Take care of each other.
Love, Ralna
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8-25-05: Hi Everybody! Well, the summer is at an end and I hate to see it go. It has been one of the best summers of my life. Take a look at the new pictures and you'll see just a few reasons why.

Guy and I will be in Bethlehem, PA this weekend, but for now, I am in one of my most favorite spots in the world. Sedona is one of God's greatest designs and I have been in this area for four wonderful days. No phone (even my cell phone doesn't work here), no TV, just an abundance of peace. I am blessed and so grateful to have had this time here.

I pray you have had a good summer and that you are well and happy. Life is short, but love is forever.
Love, Ralna
6-23-05: Hi Everybody! I'm here in Oklahoma City doing wraparounds with Mary Lou, Guy Hovis, Gail Farrell, Ken Delo, Arthur Duncan, Jack Imel, Dick Dale, Norma Zimmer, Tanya Welk Roberts, Johnny Zell, Bobby Burgess and Ava Barber. More wraparounds will be done this fall to include most of the cast. We're very excited that OETA and Welk Syndication have come together once again to insure that our fans will have another season of "The Lawrence Welk Show." It's such a privilege to be a part of something that has endured for over 50 years on television. Thank you for being instrumental in making this happen!
I will be in Milwaukee this weekend which will conclude 16 days on the road away from home. I can't wait to get back to my tennis buddies and my good friends in Scottsdale, and especially to see my darling daughter, Julie.
All My love,
Ralna
P.S. Pictures will be coming soon.
5-3-05: Hi Everybody! Well, I survived six hours in the dental chair this week and I'm just so grateful to have such good doctors. The worst part is over and nine months from now I will have a brand new smile. Many thanks to all of you for your prayers and concern for me.

The 4 Wunnerful Women had a very successful run at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, MA. We always have fun working together on that show. (Pictures will follow later.)

Guy and I also had a very successful engagement at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

How can I thank you enough for your continued support. What a joy it is to see familiar faces in our audience and after the show when we sign autographs. You are such a big part of the reason we go out and do what we do. We love it, yes; but without you it is meaningless.

All My Love,
Ralna

4-14-05: Hi Everyone!
We wound up our "Live Lawrence Welk Show" at the Sundome in Sun City, AZ on March 26 and it was great to be home and once again in the Arizona Sun. Blizzards and snow storms were a way of life in March on our extensive tour. It even rained in Las vegas! It was probably the toughest time I've had on the road. I had a flu-like bug in Las Vegas and then days later got bronchitis and had to take 10 days of antibiotics. Thank God for my experience all these years to be able to perform; and thank God for you, precious fans and friends, who lifted me up and cheered me on. Have I told you how grateful I am for your support and love? Honestly, I am blessed. I go to Massachusetts with the Four Wunnerful Women and on to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut with Guy beginning next week. Then I'm home for the month of May. What a joyous life I lead. I thank God for each day.

Today was an especially special day. When I speak to my idol, Norma Zimmer, and the man second only to Lawrence himself--Myron Floren, on the phone in the same day, that makes it an especially special day. They both sound wonderful.

Take care and thanks to all who remember the three children who die each day in America from child abuse by lighting a three-wick candle or saying a prayer on the day of Hope, April 6, or in the month of April.
All My Love,
Ralna
2-10-05: Hey Everybody,
I know many of you watched the Inauguration Ceremonies and heard Guy sing, "Let the Eagle Soar" written by John Ashcroft. It was a thrill for me to see his magnificent performance. He said he got chills when he came to the podium and looked down at the multitudes of people and at the Washington Monument straight ahead. He and Sis had the time of their lives and she will be sending a photo soon, so watch for it in the near future posted on my Scrapbook page.

Congratulations Guy!!!

Love to you all,
Ralna
2-8-05: Hi Everyone,
It's great to be home even for a short time. The weather is spectacular here in Arizona. I've been able to have some leisure time with my friends.
I also had one of the highlights of my career at the Sundome on January 23rd. Singing with the 88-piece West Valley Symphony, under the direction of Maestro James Yestadt for 2 hours and 15 minutes was pure gold to me as a musician. I'm now looking forward to my concert on February 27th in Fort Myers with the 44-piece Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.
Then, I will prepare for our road trip in March. Hopefully we will come your way. Mary Lou Metzger, Jack Imel, Ava Barber, Dick Dale, Big Tiny Little and myself make up the "Live Lawrence Welk Show." We start out at the Orlean's Hotel in Las Vegas for four fun days and then on to 13 more cities in the U.S.
Our new special, "Precious Memories" airs on your local PBS stations across the country in March so be sure to tune-in for this brand new two-hour Lawrence Welk special.
I can't tell you what it means to me to receive your support out on the road. When I look out into the audience and see a familiar face, or see you in line at the autograph table, it lifts my spirit.
My thanks to all of you--
Love, Ralna
11-29-04: Merry Christmas to All of You!
It has been such fun being here in Branson with the Welk gang again this year. The Lennon Sisters, Jo Ann Castle, Jack Imel and Dick Dale all give 100 percent to make this the best Christmas show ever in Branson. Of course, our Mary Lou Metzger made sure it was a very special production since this is our last season as the "Welk Show" here.
The "Live Lawrence Welk Show" will be on the road in March and I'm doing lots of symphonies on my own and many performances with Guy this year. Check out WelkNotes.com for all the Welk performers schedules and come see us.
We are so grateful for your support all these years and because of your continued support we have been able to tape the new special for you that will air in March 2005. We hope you will tune-in to your local PBS station for "Lawrence Welk Precious Memories."
May you and yours have a blessed holiday season filled with love, joy and peace.
All My Love,
Ralna
10-5-04: Hello Everyone,
Fall is in the air here in Branson and it is just a joy to be here.

My summer seemed nonexistent. With my foot operation and then breaking my other foot, I was laid up so much, it seemed to pass without my realizing it!

Several original Stars from the Lawrence Welk Show gathered together here in Branson the 1st of September to tape a new PBS special called, "Lawrence Welk Precious Memories." It will be aired March 2005, so check with your local PBS station for the specific date in your area.

Many WelkNote fans came for the taping and what fun it was to see you all here. Thank you so much for your support over the years.

We begin rehearsals for the Christmas show the end of October and I am looking forward to being in the dance number called "Be A Santa." My feet are so much better now and I thank all of you for your prayers.

Come see us here in Branson and may God bless us all!

Love, Ralna
P.S. Ava and I have had a ball since she came in September 24. We had sushi last night and will have lunch today at a tea room with all the Welk women. Mary Lou comes in October 8 and I can't wait. This is the most fun I've ever had in Branson because of so much time off.

8-11-04: Hi Everybody,
Can you believe this summer is almost over? I hope it's been a good one for all of you.
My operation on my right foot was a success and just about the time I was ready to play tennis again, I fractured my left foot! No, I'm not joking, I really did. The doctor says it's a common break and should heal within a month to six weeks. I'm doing water aerobics and riding the bike at the gym to try to keep in shape, and that does wonders for my spirit.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart to all of you for your prayers and positive thoughts for me. It is so comforting to know you are there for me.
I'm getting prepared to go to Branson for our new special, "Lawrence Welk Precious Memories." It will feature 16 original stars from the show and it will air in March of 2005. It's going to be wonderful to be with my Lawrence Welk friends and my Branson friends again.
Time is my most precious gift at this period of my life. When I think of my friend Henry Cuesta, and how he made every moment count, it helps me realize I need to do the same.
Now we have lost yet another of our musical family, Joe Rizzo. Joe was one of the nicest of men, truly a gentleman and a great musician. At least half of Guy & Ralna's arrangements were created by Joe. My heart goes out to his family and especially his faithful wife, Irene.
Looking forward to seeing many of you in Branson, especially you WelkNoters!
God Bless you all,
Ralna
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5-24-04: Hi Everybody,
Well, I've been home for a while and I love it. Tennis is part of my life here in Arizona in a big way. I've been able to play three days a week even with my bad foot.
The second toe on my right foot has been bothering me for quite a while and I'll have an operation on June 16 to hopefully get me out of the pain I've been experiencing.
If you come to see our show in Milwaukee you'll see me hobbling on stage in a velcro shoe. I'll wear it for 6 weeks and then hopefully by fall I'll be playing tennis again.
Childhelp USA's "Day of Hope" in Washington, D.C. at the Capitol was such a great success this year. It was exceptionally special for me because I got to meet someone I've wanted to meet for a long time. His name is Dave Pelzer and when I heard he was going to be one of our speakers, I could hardly contain my excitement.
Dave has written several books, among them, "A Child Called 'It.'" I've read all his books and have so much respect and love for him. He was more incredible than I could have imagined.
A few days after the "Day of Hope," I drove to Palm Springs to meet my North Hollywood Church family for a fun dinner on the town. Bill Hayes, one of our talented choir members, was starring in the "Palm Springs Follies" and we all had a great time.
Then, Judy Shaw, my longtime fan and friend, came to visit me for the first time since I moved to Arizona. We had such a wonderful, enjoyable, fun time together. I love her dearly and she has meant so much to me for over 30 years that to have her here in my home was long over due.
Hope you enjoy the pictures that are to come.
Pray for our men and women on foreign soil and for our leaders, our country and our world.
God Bless You,
Ralna
2-1-04: Hello Everyone,
It's so hard for me to believe that January is almost over. The holidays were over in a flash for me in 2003. I barely got a tree up and then in a little over a week it was down.

It was a sad Christmas this year because we lost one of the dearest of our musical family. Henry Cuesta was not only one of the finest musicians I've ever had the privilege to work with, but he was also a dear friend. We came to know each other over more than a 30-year period of time and went through so much of life together. He will always be near and dear to my heart and I can't tell you how much I will miss him. We are so blessed to be able to experience him still and in the future through his music which will live on forever.
   This is one of my favorite pictures of Henry and me taken in Escondido at the Lawrence Welk annual Christmas Show in 2000.

Take a look at the new pictures I have. There are lots of them!
God bless us all in 2004.
Love, Ralna
11-21-03: Happy Holidays Everyone,
Most of my holiday season will be spent here in Branson, but as the song says, "I'll be home for Christmas."
My sister, Sharon, and her husband, my dear brother-in-law, will drive from Texas for Thanksgiving and we're going to have a big one this year that also includes Mary Lou, Richard and Helen Metzger, Mary Lou's Mom.
The show is going great here. Mary Lou produced it this year and it really runs smoothly and we appreciate the standing ovations it receives. Thanks to all who have come here to see us.
I pray your holiday season is a blessed one. May the light that came into this world over 2000 years ago shine upon you and yours.
Love, Ralna
PS...Come see us on our Christmas tour! Check my travel schedule and let us be a part of your holiday cheer!
9-30-03: Hi Everybody!
I'm trying to take in every moment left here in this beautiful Arizona before I have to leave for Branson. Tennis, water aerobics and yoga have been daily activities for me lately trying to get in shape to host my up-coming wraparound on October 10. TV adds 10 lbs., they say, and I can't afford 2 lbs., much less 10!

It has been wonderful to be home for a while and I've enjoyed every moment here. I look forward to a day when I will be able to spend more time in this wonderful place.

For now, it's off to the Champagne Theatre to work with my pals, The Lennon Sisters, Jack Imel and Jo Ann Castle. Mary Lou put together a great show and I can't wait to be a part of it. It will be a treat for me to only do one show a day because I'll have more time with my Branson friends. I have come to think of Branson as my second home since I began working there in 1994 and I've made so many great friends there.

Come see me if you can, either in October, or during the holiday season; or maybe I'll see you on our Canadian tour!
Stay healthy and may God Bless you all,
Ralna
7-29-03: Hi Everybody,
It's hard for me to believe that it's almost August - where has the summer gone?
I have really enjoyed my time at home lately, even in 110 degree heat.

Julie is preparing her classroom and going through new teacher induction for her first real teaching job! Hallelujah! Guy and I are elated.
Two people very close to me in my life have recently lost loved ones and it has made me realize how precious each moment is. Each of us only have a certain amount of time on the earth and I strive to be verbally grateful for each and every day.
My life is so good and I am so blessed and you, dear ones, are so much a part of the reason why.
God Bless you and may your August be cooler than mine!
Love, Ralna
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6-7-03: Hi Everybody!
Well, I think I have my energy back! I thought I'd lost it forever for a while.
I've been home for over two weeks playing tennis, having dinners with my friends and daughter - just relaxing as much as I can.
Of course, I always have daily paperwork and calls, but I have tried to prioritize and feel good and much healthier than I did a few months ago.
I'm looking forward to seeing my pals tomorrow in Denver. It will be a short tour but lots of fun.
I come home for two days and then Julie and I will be going to New York to her childhood friend's wedding. She'll return home but I go on to Bear Creek Farms to work with Ken Delo. I am going to enjoy seeing Ken after such a long time.
Hope you're keeping cool. It's 104 degrees here today!
All My Love,
Ralna
4-21-03: Hi Everybody!
What a fantastic tour we had in March. Thank you all for coming out to support us. You made it very successful for us and we are very grateful.
I got back home for just a few days before heading out again for Maryland and Pennsylvania. The show I was a part of was very nostalgic for me. It took me back to my roots, mainly because of the great country style band we had. Lots of fun!
I'm home now for a few more days before heading out to Sloan, Iowa to do a show with Myron and Bobby and Elaine and then on to Tennessee to be with the "4 Wunnerful Women" in Pigeon Forge, TN. I do love the 4 Wunnerful Women shows. We just have a wonderful time together.
I'll only be back home a few days before heading out again but on May 4 you can bet I'll be attending Julie Hovis' graduation right here in Phoenix. Guy will be here too and we will be a proud set of parents that day. She has truly worked so hard for her Master's in Education degree and we are so very proud of her.
Hope you have a great summer. God bless us all as we pray for our country and our leaders.
God Bless the USA.
I love you all,
Ralna
3-24-03: Hi Everybody,
Well, here we are with one week to go on our "Live Lawrence Welk Show" across this great country of ours. We have had wonderful crowds and they have seemed to enjoy this new show put together by our own Mary Lou Metzger. She did a fabulous job and I for one, am proud to be a part of this show.
It has been a while since you have heard from me and I have lots of pictures that will let you know my path since the Branson Christmas season.
Many of you have seen our new special, "Lawrence Welk: God Bless America" and we are so happy to hear all the nice compliments you have given it.
I am so grateful to you for supporting us and Public Television. You are the reason we continue on.
We celebrated Lawrence Welk's 100th birthday on March 11 in Salt Lake City. Guy and Sis came from Mississippi and we sang "Let There Be Peace on Earth," Myron came from LA and played "Battle Hymn." Our beautiful Champagne Lady Norma Zimmer came from Park City, Larry Welk and family came from LA and Donna, Lawrence's darling daughter came from Montana. What a night! I wish you all could have been there. Brian Edwards of Rocklands Entertainment ordered a fantastic cake that fed the entire audience!
Hope you all are well and happy. I pray we will have peace--soon.
All My Love,
Ralna
P.S. The "Day of Hope" is April 2. Please pray for the hurting, abused children. Remember that 3 children die every day from abuse in our country alone.
1-7-03: Happy New Year Everyone!
Well, here it is January 1, 2003 and I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year. I pray your holidays were filled with love and happy times as mine were.
Getting back into the swing of things at home has been a challenge. I had 2 1/2 months of mail waiting for me upon my return from Branson and Canada. With the bronchitis condition I acquired on the plane coming back home, I have had my hands full trying to get well and catch up.
Tomorrow I'm going to Escondido to see two of the 4 Wunnerful Women in the Lawrence Welk Annual Christmas Show at the Welk Resort. I waited 'til the last minute to make the decision to go to see if I'd be well enough. I'm just so happy to be going to see my pals, Mary Lou and Gail. I've heard they are GREAT in this wonderful show Mary Lou produced.
I have lots of pictures from the holidays and I'll have more when I get back from Escondido. I'll be sure to get them up as soon as I return.
It was so much fun to see so many of you in Branson and also on our Canadian Tour. Thank you so very much for your continued support.
Don't forget to watch our upcoming special, "Lawrence Welk: God Bless America" on your local PBS stations in March, 2003. I can't wait to see it myself!
God bless you and yours--
Love,
Ralna
11-14-02: Hi Everybody!
Here I am in Branson already for the holiday season. It's hard for me to believe it is truly upon us!
The show here is really good and we have been told more than once by the fans that have been coming for years that it is the best show yet! It's always great to see our fans at our concerts and we appreciate your support very much.
Guy came to Scottsdale right before I left for Branson to record "America the Beautiful" with me for my new CD called, "My God, My Country." It should be in my hands by November 24th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
I want to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. I pray you will be surrounded by friends and family this holiday season to celebrate the true joy of the perfect gift, the baby Jesus.
All My Love,
Ralna
PS: We are so looking forward to our Canadian Tour in December. Check out my travel schedule and come see us!
9-11-02: Hi Everybody!
I hope you all have had a great summer. Mine has been very eventful and one of the biggest events took place last week in Branson, MO at the Champagne Theatre.
We did, I believe, one of the greatest shows I've ever been involved with. We are all very proud to be a part of "Lawrence Welk God Bless America" to be aired March 2003 on PBS stations across the country. I am very excited to see the finished product and hope you will all tune-in to your local PBS station when it airs in March.
I hope you enjoy seeing the new pictures of our fun times making the special...just click this photo link and you can go right to those pages!
This is an emotional time in the history of our country. May God be with you and yours and may the peace that passeth understanding be in your hearts.
Love, Ralna
PS...Go to my Music page and see the new Guy and Ralna "Favorites" CD that we've just released!
8-18-02: Hi Everybody!
I hope you're staying cool this summer. It was 107 degrees here today.
Guy and I had fun working with Myron at the Elkhart County Fair recently in Goshen, Indiana. It's the largest county fair in the U.S. It was 90 degrees there and everybody was talking about how hot it was and I thought it was really nice weather myself!
I hope you like the pictures from Goshen. They were so nice to us and I believe we are going to go back there next year. I had a great picture of Guy, Sis and me, but it came out over-exposed. I really enjoyed getting to know Sis better. She is just a doll and so funny! Myron looks great and we're so happy he will be on our upcoming special, "Lawrence Welk God Bless America."
I'll be leaving for Branson in a few weeks to do the show and I'm very excited about this show. It's going to be a wonderful tribute to our great country and to our great boss.
Well, Guy and I just finished putting together a new CD called, "Favorites" that will be available in about three weeks. The songs are songs we sang on "The Lawrence Welk Show" in the '70s and '80s. As soon as it's in our hands, we'll let you know.
Meanwhile, I'm working on a new CD of my own called, "My God My Country," and hope it will be available by Christmas.
Fall will be upon us before we know it. Enjoy the rest of the summer days!
All My Love,
Ralna
7-4-02: Hi Everyone!
I hope you're having a wonderful Fourth of July with family and friends gathered around. I was with Julie this morning and tonight I'll be going to a potluck with friends from Church.

I had a wonderful, long birthday. It was so special to be with both of my sisters. Thank you all for your cards and birthday wishes. I am so grateful to you.

Right before my birthday, I went to La Jolla, California, to the annual "Birdie" convention with six of my high school girlfriends. We had lots of laughs and lots of food. With the Birdie convention on top of my birthday, I gained 4 pounds. Thank goodness for Weight Watchers...I've lost 3 1/2 pounds so far!

We are so looking forward to our 12th special for PBS, "Lawrence Welk God Bless America" to be taped in August at the Champagne Theatre in Branson and aired in March on public broadcasting stations all over this great country.

We are so blessed to call America home. We live in the greatest country in the world. Relish each moment, each day and 'til we meet again...

God Bless Us All,
Ralna

5-6-02: Hi Everybody!
I just got back from a very successful trip to Washington, D.C. for Childhelp USA and a fun and business trip to Los Angeles. I also took a side trip to Palm Springs to see my friend, Jo Ann Castle in the Follies. She was sensational, as usual.

Check out my pictures for more information on my trips.

I hope you are enjoying as beautiful weather as we are here in Scottsdale. We've had some cooler evenings here lately, and I love it!

Have a great summer and take care of each other.

Much Love,
Ralna

4-1-02: Hi Everybody!
Well, I'm back from the Tour and what a great Tour it was!

It's always great to be with the old gang from the Welk Show, especially my "wunnerful" pals, Mary Lou and Ava. We have such a great time together.

We are so excited to be together again with Gail in Toledo and Mt. Pleasant in May. The "4 Wunnerful Women" have new songs and some new costumes and we love working together so very much. Our creative juices tend to flow when we get together.
I'm enjoying being at home but not looking forward to next week--I have to do my taxes! Does anyone out there enjoy it?
I'll be going to Washington D.C. for the "Day of Hope" for my charity, Childhelp USA, on April 25. Please pray for the children in our great country who suffer abuse. We ask you to light a 3-wick candle on April 3 to remember the three children who die every day from abuse.
Until next time, God Bless us all.
Love, Ralna
3-4-02: A MESSAGE FROM SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Hello Everyone. Yesterday, we were in Wisconsin Dells, WI when 12 inches of snow fell.
Today, I'm writing you from South Bend, IN and we've heard 18 inches are expected within the next few days. It's truly going to be a "winter wonderland" from here on out during this tour.

A day and a half before I left on tour, I flew to Los Angeles to sing for Fern Welk's funeral, as many of you know, and I want to tell you about her lovely service and also a little about this extraordinary woman.
The service was held at Santa Monica's Catholic Church in Santa Monica, CA., a church that Lawrence and Fern attended faithfully. Our own Bob Smale played piano as only he can (I've never been so inspired singing "How Great Thou Art"), and Henry Cuesta's clarinet was like velvet that day.
Everyone spoke so lovingly of Fern; of her faith, her perseverance, her triumph over tragedy and adversity, her strength, her loving kindness, her positive way of thinking and looking at life and what it brings, and her incredible sense of humor.

Her daughter, Shirley, gave the eulogy and spoke about her mother's inspiring life. She ended in saying she was sure Lawrence was there to take her across, offering his hand for a dance.

Lawrence's beloved Fern was loved by many and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
With love and affection,
Ralna
2-22-02: A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM RALNA
I'm here at the Tropicana in Atlantic City rehearsing for our opening tonight, but I wanted to get a quick note off to you!

I'm sure you've heard that Guy Lee Hovis, Jr., and Sarah Louise Lundy were wed in Natchez, MS on February 16. They are now on a honeymoon in New York City.

Guy brought "Sis" out to Scottsdale a few months ago to meet Julie. We all gathered at my house and got acquainted before going out to dinner together.

I know it's hard for some of you to understand my feelings about Guy and our friendship. God healed my heart many years ago and replaced my pain with understanding, compassion and love. Only He could do that and I am eternally grateful.

I am truly happy for Guy, who is "family" to me. To Sis, Julie and I say, "welcome to the family."

Love, Ralna
1-11-02: A NOTE FROM RALNA
Happy 2002 to all of you!

I have lots of pictures from Branson, (be sure to see all three pages of Branson photos!) Christmas, New Year's and my trip to California.

I got to see Ava, Jack and Big Tiny in the wonderful "7th Annual Lawrence Welk Christmas Show" in Escondido created by my talented friend, Mary Lou Metzger. What a treat that was! Then, of course, I always look forward to Mary Lou and Richard's annual holiday party.

My holiday season was filled with festivities. Julie and I had Christmas dinner at Wendy Netherton's new home here in Phoenix. Wendy is Tom's sister and has three darling children. Tom flew in from VA and his mother came in from Nashville. Cissy King joined us and it felt just like an old-fashioned Welk family Christmas! We had so much fun together.

I pray this year will be a more peaceful year for our country and around the world. May you have health and happiness and God's blessings upon you and your family.

Love, Ralna

11-12-01: A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM RALNA IN BRANSON
Happy Holidays Everybody,
I'm here in Branson performing at the Champagne Theater and it is glorious here. The decorations are beautiful and everyone here is truly in the holiday spirit.

The Veteran's Day Parade is today and we are so proud to have the traveling half size replica of the Vietnam Wall that you see in Washington D.C. here behind the Welk Resort.

We've heard over and over that this is the best Christmas Show ever and I am just so happy to be a part of it.

So many fans have been here already and many more are coming and it's always so good to see you and have the time to visit with you after our shows.

I got ot see the Rockettes on one of my two days off during my run here and I must say, that show "made" my Christmas holiday season. What incredible sets, costumes and production numbers -- just beautiful.

I'll see Mickey Gilley's show on December 2nd with my sister Sharon and brother-in-law Carl. Carl just has to see Mickey's show when they come to Branson. Right now, they are at their "vacation home" -- my house in Scottsdale! They have enjoyed my house and Scottsdale more than me, I think!

Someday I'll have more time there but for now I'm enjoying my time here in Branson. I feel truly blessed to get to be here at this time of the year. It's glorious here, as I said, and I just wish each and everyone of you could experience the spirit of Christmas that is ever present here in Branson.

God Bless us one and all.
Love, Ralna

P.S. The Welk Stars were presented the VFW's highest award, the Orland Memorial, by American Legion Post #111 today on stage. We were all in tears -- such a humbling experience.

9-16-01 A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM RALNA
Please use this hyperlink to go to this special page featuring Ralna's letter to her website.

8-17-01 NEWS FROM RALNA
(Please click on the underlined type below for hyperlinks to photographs!)
Hi Everybody,
The summer has been, and continues to be, very eventful for me!
I arrived in Milwaukee with my music and my costumes, unlike last year when I had to borrow an outfit, shoes and all to go on stage. Was I ever grateful for the wonderful rhythm section! This year however, Guy and I performed together for a fantastic audience at the Elmbrook Church.
Des Moines was a new, fun experience and I had one of the best meals I've ever had at a restaurant called, "43."
The most fun thing I've done all summer, so far, has been The Lawrence Welk Show new season "wraparounds" in Escondido in mid-July. What an absolute blast! I had dinner with Guy, Mary Lou and her Mom, Helen the first night and had lunch with Tanya and her daughters-in-law, Tracy and Lindy and all the precious grandchildren. I got to visit with Dick and Marguerite Dale and Jack and Norma Imel. The crew from OETA-The Oklahoma Network, along with Margaret Heron and JoAnn Young, made the wraparounds so much fun to do. Isn't it great that your job can be so much fun?! I know I am truly blessed and I am so grateful for all that comes my way.

One really great thing coming up soon is CNN's "Larry King Live" show. I'll be talking about Lawrence Welk's 50 years on television along with Bobby Burgess, Janet Lennon, Larry Welk and Larry Welk III. Hope you can tune-in and watch...it should be a very interesting show.
Hope your summer is going well and that you are staying cool. (See photos of Julie and me in cool Sedona, Arizona...click here).
God Bless You,
Ralna
7-7-01 THE LATEST NEWS FROM HOME!
(Please click on the underlined type below for hyperlinks to photographs!)
Hi Everybody! What a fun time I've had on the cruise out of Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia and St. John, New Brunswick with the fun "Best of Times" group. The Carnival Victory is only a year old and it's beautifully decorated with a casino, lots of clubs and one of the most beautiful showrooms I've ever performed in.

My Branson roomie, Cindy Loeb, was my guest and we had a ball. Of course, we have fun wherever we are! Vernon and Barbara Young, the owners of "Best of Times" were just delightful people and couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating.

The following week after returning from the cruise, I made a quick trip to Sparks, Nevada to see the new "Wunnerful" show at Johnny Ascuaga's Nugget starring 12, count 'em 12, original cast members of "The Lawrence Welk Show". Jack Imel put it together and it is the most reminiscent of the old stage shows we used to do with our boss, Lawrence Welk himself. It was really fun for me to be part of the wonderful audience that gave them a well-deserved standing ovation.

Then I went immediately to Philadelphia for the PBS Convention. I was honored to be the guest in the Welk Syndication hospitality suite and to meet so many wonderful managers of PBS stations all across the country. There were so many compliments on our "Milestones & Memories" show and how well it did for their individual stations in their pledge drives.

I have decided not to do any recording right now, however Guy has a CD entitled "The Best of Guy Hovis Inspirational." There are 11 solos by Guy and one duet with me entitled, "Jacob's Ladder."

Julie has decided to go back to school to get her teaching certificate and Masters degree. Guy and I are elated and she is very content with her decision. I have always felt Julie would make a great teacher.

Have a great summer and I hope to see you in my travels! Many thanks to all of you who support our concerts and tours. I am so grateful to have such loyal and dedicated fans.

God Bless You All,
Ralna

5-17-01 UPDATE FROM HOME
Hi Everybody! Hope it's not as hot where you are as it is in Arizona, but hot or not, I'm just glad to be home for a little while! I've been taking advantage of living in this beautiful tennis community. I have one regular game a week and usually pick up one or two more when I'm home.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Waris Dirie were here a few weeks ago to receive well-deserved honors from Childhelp USA. Kathie Lee has done so much for Childhelp and she even made an "on-the-spot" donation of $50,000 while she was here. She's also giving a portion of the proceeds from her skincare line called "Natural Advantage" to help the abused children. What a generous heart she has.

We also honored Waris Dirie, international model and United Nations Population Fund Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation which maims an estimated 2 million girls annually. Many die from complications from the procedure or suffer a lifetime of physical and mental anguish. I sat next to Janet Napolitano, our Arizona Attorney General and was shocked when she turned to me and said, "We have cases like this from all over the United States, even here in Arizona." Waris touched each one of us with her resilent, brilliant spirit.

I've had lots of visitors this month. My best friend, Monette, came from LA to spend a weekend, and celebrate a very special birthday and it was so wonderful to have her here. Usually I'm visiting her in California.

I also spent a wonderful fun-filled day with my good friend Susie Dowdy from OETA-The Oklahoma Network and Patty Thaxton, also from public television.

I'm preparing now for a cruise on a new Carnival ocean liner. It's nine stories high and can accommodate 3,000 people! I'll be doing one show for a special group called, "The Best of Times" and will just vacation the rest of the five days on board. I'm really enjoying my R&R...can you tell?!!

Much Love,
Ralna
P.S. I hope I can tell you about Julie's new job next time.
4-16-01 UPDATE FROM RALNA:
Hi Everybody! Well, the "4 Wunnerful Women" were together again in Memphis, TN on April 1 and we appreciated all who came to see us! We had 30 people who came from 11 states, so a special thanks to them. Judy Shaw arranged for a "get-together" after our performance and it was so nice. I'm so grateful to Judy for everything she does, and she does a lot for me! (Note: See the Memphis photos in the Scrapbook.)

Childhelp USA had its Day of Hope luncheon in Washington, DC on the following Wednesday, so I went right to Washington from Memphis. On April 3, Guy and I sang for a Senate Spouse Dinner and I'll have a lot more pictures to share with you later from both these events. (Note: These have been added...go to Scrapbook.)

It was a very successful trip and I want to thank everyone who stopped on that first Wednesday in April to say a prayer for the three children who die every day here in America from child abuse.
God Bless You All,
Ralna

3-18-01 A LETTER FROM HOME:
Hi Everybody! What a fabulous trip we had across Canada. Thanks to all of you who came out to our concerts and came up to the autograph table to say hello. It was a very successful tour, thanks to you, and to our wonderful promoter Brian Edwards. I can't begin to say how much respect I have for this very talented, considerate, accomplished man -- and his crew!
On Saturday, March 17th at 7 p.m., I helped with the pledge breaks at our public television station KAET-Phoenix when they pledged and aired "Lawrence Welk: Milestones & Memories."



I hope most of you have viewed this "Milestone" special that we are all SO proud of. I just hope you enjoy seeing it as much as we have -- those of us who worked so hard to put it together for you. It was truly "blood, sweat and tears!"
I'm so excited to perform in Memphis with the "4 Wunnerful Women" and then on to Washington D.C. for Child Help's "Day of Hope." We simply ask you to pause for three minutes on the first Wednesday in April to meditate, say a prayer or light a three-wick candle for the three children who die each day from child abuse and the millions who suffer. While in Washington D.C., Guy and I will also be performing together for a Senate Wives Dinner the night before our "Day of Hope."
Thank you all for your emails to this website. I see them all and they warm my heart. Thank each and every one of you for your support!
God Bless You,
Ralna
REPORTS FROM ON THE ROAD...

3-7-01: RALNA IN SCHENECTADY, N.Y.: Below is a fan photo sent in by John Potrikus showing him posing with Ralna during an autograph session as Ava Barber looks on. Great pic. Thanks, John!

2-24-01: A MESSAGE FROM RALNA ON THE ROAD: Hi and thank you to all who have been coming out for this fabulous tour across Canada. We are thriving here because of the expertise and consideration of the young promoter who put this particular show on the road. We have been receiving standing ovations everywhere we go and are so grateful that the audiences have embraced us with such generosity and warmth. We finish this current tour on March 8th and I must admit that it will be nice to get back home. After being gone for so long, I'm sure I will be behind with all of my mail, not to mention that I am way overdue preparing and sending out the Ralna Report. So I will thank ya'll in advance for being so patient and supportive of me when I am working as much as I have lately.
Love,
Ralna

2-21-01: Photo above shows Ralna signing autographs with Mary Lou at the Royal Theatre in Victoria, British Columbia on Friday, February 16 at the 7 p.m. concert. Susie Dowdy of OETA - The Oklahoma Network was in the audience and reports that the show "was absolutely great! Ralna was just terrific and the whole show was fantastic. It was a sold out crowd in both the balcony and main floor of the theatre and the crowd was so excited! I really enjoyed the whole thing and can't wait to see Ralna perform in Branson next Thanksgiving...she's really something!" Thanks, Susie, for sharing this with us!

1-06-01: RALNA RECENTLY TAPED an interview  in which she talked about the upcoming "Lawrence Welk: Milestones & Memories" special on PBS. The interview is being broadcast on the "Midwest Today Radio Edition," which is aired each week on 48 AM / FM stations across the Heartland. Click HERE to listen to this special interview!