Shirley Jones, celebrated for her iconic role as the matriarch in “The Partridge Family,” enjoyed the spotlight for many years due to her spirited nature and daring ambitions. She charmed audiences as Shirley Partridge, a widowed mom of five, on the beloved sitcom.
Her fame continued to flourish as she left an indelible mark on the entertainment world with performances in timeless classics such as “The Music Man,” “Carousel,” “Oklahoma!” and “Bedtime Story.”
In late March 2014, the accomplished actress and songstress, then 80, announced her intention to commemorate her milestone birthday with an audacious feat—skydiving.
Her son, Patrick, shared a heartwarming family snapshot on August 9, capturing an idyllic vacation in California.
Taking inspiration from former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who had taken birthday skydiving leaps, including at age 85 in 2009, Jones eagerly embraced the exhilarating challenge. “That’s something I wanted to do all my life,” she expressed, influenced by the precedent set by the former president.
However, by early April 2014, a twist emerged in Jones’ skydiving plans. Despite her unwavering enthusiasm, her family members intervened due to safety concerns. Respecting their worries, Jones chose to postpone her skydiving adventure.
While a temporary setback, this unexpected turn of events did not dampen her spirit. Undeterred, Jones remained determined to reschedule the skydiving experience for a later date, underscoring her unyielding adventurous disposition.
Jones continued to win hearts with her timeless grace and lively outlook. In August 2022, the retired actress, then 88, ventured out in Los Angeles, effortlessly blending sportiness and sophistication. Dressed in a pink tracksuit complemented by a visor and sneakers, she enjoyed dinner at the upscale Delmonico’s Steak and Lobster House. Her appearance seamlessly fused athletic flair with enduring charm, embodying her timeless allure.
Jones’ journey over the years has showcased her extraordinary talent and highlighted her irrepressible spirit and eagerness to embrace novel experiences, both on-screen and in real life. Even in her older years, she enjoys dressing up and wearing makeup.
A Sweet Mother-Son Moment That Attracted Undue Criticism
Jones, renowned as the on-screen matriarch in “The Partridge Family,” navigated a journey of marriages, starting with Jack Cassidy, her husband, and father, to her sons Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan Cassidy. Following their divorce, she married Marty Ingels. Tragically, her stepson, David Cassidy, passed away in 2017.
The “Carousel” actress treasures moments spent with her grandchildren, reflecting on the fulfillment that her extended family brings.
The starlet’s middle son, Patrick, recently shared a candid photo that captured a heartwarming moment between the two. The age-defying picture was posted on August 25 and showed the mother-son duo tenderly hugging each other.
A netizen criticized Shirley Jones’ hairdo on social media | Source: instagram.com/patrickcassidyofficial
A commenter bashed Shirley Jones for her haircut on social media | Source: instagram.com/patrickcassidyofficial
Both were casually dressed and flashed big smiles, with Jones, 89, donning a black tracksuit and wearing red lipstick, which complimented her short gray hair. “So grateful to have you in my life mom. Love you,” wrote Patrick.
Much to everyone’s astonishment, the photo amassed mixed views, with some netizens criticizing Jones’ hairdo in contrast to her advancing age. “She looks amazing!! But please give her a chic hair style – too many older women are given unattractive, almost manly hair cuts out of convenience :/ your mom deserves a cute, chic style [sic],” one user wrote.
“I totally agree! She’s such a classy lady. She needs a classy haircut come on guys. Get with it [sic],” followed another comment.
A netizen defended Shirley Jones from the critics on social media | Source: instagram.com/patrickcassidyofficial
A user stood in Shirley Jones’ defense against the online critics | Source: instagram.com/patrickcassidyofficial
Patrick Cassidy defended his mom from the critics | Source: instagram.com/patrickcassidyofficial
However, it wasn’t long before other users flooded the comments section, defending Jones from the critics.[Are] you kidding? How can you look at anything other than the love they have for each other? She’s perfect as is…,” added one netizen.
“What does it mean ‘give her’?( She is not a doll, she makes her decisions herself! She had shot hearcut many times in her life. Who are you to give your advices? Sorry, you sound out of tact [sic],” divulged a second supporter.
A netizen praised Shirley Jones for her eternal charm | Source: instagram.com/patrickcassidyofficial
Even Patrick quickly defended his mother, saying, “Yes, she’s had her hair short since the Partridge Family [sic].” In response to Patrick’s comment, another fan gushed, “Your mom is that rare woman who can wear any hairdo and will grace that hairdo with her eternal beauty! ?? God Bless her.”
Shirley Jones’ Love for Her Family
For Jones, cherished moments take shape in the rare gatherings with her complete family—a wellspring of pure joy and comfort. Her son, Patrick, shared a heartwarming family snapshot on August 9, capturing an idyllic vacation in California. The photo was accompanied by a touching caption, which read:
“What an incredible vacation in California getting to be with my entire family. Mom, brothers, nieces and nephews, both my sons, and, of course, the love of my life.”
Jones considers her three sons, Shaun, Ryan, and Patrick, the true blessings of her life. In a 2021 interview, the Oscar-winning actress shared, “I’ve raised three wonderful sons who grew up to be great men of character and accomplishment.”
Additionally, the “Carousel” actress treasures moments spent with her grandchildren, reflecting on the fulfillment that her extended family brings. “I am an only child, so to have all this family is amazing. You have to enjoy this moment — the now — because that’s really all we have,” she added.
In parallel with the heartwarming family dynamics portrayed on her famous TV show, Jones’ real-life family flourishes with the presence of her 13 grandkids and her three adult sons.
