Brandi Carlile and Catherine Shepherd: From First Call to Family Life with Their Little Ones

Renowned singer Brandi Carlile has been a prominent figure in the music industry since 2004, starting with her EP Acoustic. Over the years, she collaborated with major labels such as Sony, Columbia, Elektra, and Low Country. Her self-titled debut album released in 2005, and with her second album The Story, Brandi began appearing on the US Billboard 200. Several of her projects, including The Firewatcher’s Daughter and Returning to Myself, reached top ten positions on the chart.

Brandi recently made headlines for her solo performance at Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, where she played guitar and sang America the Beautiful. The performance video quickly trended on social media, prompting fans to explore her personal life, particularly her marriage to Catherine Shepherd.

Catherine Shepherd, daughter of entertainment personality Jack Shepherd, initially pursued acting but later shifted focus to philanthropy. She is the executive director of the Looking Out Foundation, a nonprofit created by Brandi and her band members to support music-related charitable activities.

Brandi and Catherine first connected in 2009 through a phone call when Catherine reached out to contribute to Brandi’s campaign, Fight the Fear. They stayed in touch and met in person backstage in New York City in 2010. Brandi once mentioned in an interview that she initially thought Catherine was around 65 due to her “wisdom or demeanor.”

The couple tied the knot in 2012 in a ceremony attended by close friends and family. Despite minor setbacks, such as a missing priest, a vet visit for their dog, and putting down a goat, they later organized two additional celebrations in Washington and England in 2013.

In 2014, Brandi announced the birth of their daughter Evangeline Ruth via IVF, though the post was later removed. In 2018, the couple welcomed a second daughter, Elijah, through the IUI process, as Catherine had struggled with IVF hormones. Brandi shared with PEOPLE in 2021 that parenting in a same-sex relationship involves challenges, but both strive to guide their daughters while teaching them about life.

Brandi Carlile and Catherine Shepherd’s story showcases a blend of love, perseverance, and family, inspiring many with their journey from a first phone call to raising their little ones together.