Jim Nabors’ Husband: Inside Their Love, Marriage, and Life Together
Jim Nabors is remembered as one of the most beloved entertainers of his era—an actor and singer whose warmth, sincerity, and iconic voice left a permanent mark on American television and music. Best known as the lovable Gomer Pyle from The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Nabors charmed audiences for decades with his comedic timing and heartwarming personality. Yet behind his public success, he also lived a profound and lasting love story. Many fans today search for information about Jim Nabors’ husband, wanting to understand the man who stood by him for more than four decades. That man was Stan Cadwallader, Nabors’ longtime partner and, eventually, his legally recognized spouse. Their story is one of loyalty, companionship, and quiet devotion that spanned nearly half a century.
Who Was Jim Nabors? A Brief Background
Born in 1930 in Sylacauga, Alabama, Jim Nabors began his career in entertainment somewhat unexpectedly. After moving to Los Angeles to improve his health and pursue new opportunities, he worked in a studio prop department before gaining attention at a nightclub for his distinct baritone singing voice and comedic abilities. His big break came when Andy Griffith discovered him and cast him in The Andy Griffith Show as Gomer Pyle, a role that quickly became a fan favorite.
Nabors later starred in his own popular series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., which ran for five successful seasons. He also enjoyed a thriving music career, releasing multiple albums that showcased his remarkable vocal range. Known for his kindness and genuine personality, Nabors remained a respected and admired figure throughout his life.
But while his fame was immense, Nabors often kept his private life separate from the public eye—especially during an era when LGBTQ+ relationships were not widely accepted.
Who Is Jim Nabors’ Husband? Introducing Stan Cadwallader
Jim Nabors’ husband, Stan Cadwallader, was more than just a romantic partner—he was a constant source of support, loyalty, and companionship. Born in 1948, Cadwallader worked as a firefighter in Honolulu, Hawaii, having moved there in the mid-1970s. His career in public service reflected his admirable character: steady, responsible, and quietly devoted to helping others.
Cadwallader was not a celebrity, nor did he seek media attention. His calm presence and grounded personality brought balance to Nabors’ busy life as a public entertainer. Their relationship began in the 1970s, long before same-sex marriage was legal and before such relationships were openly embraced in Hollywood. Despite the challenges of the era, their partnership endured with strength, love, and discretion.
How Jim Nabors and Stan Cadwallader Met
Jim Nabors and Stan Cadwallader met in the mid-1970s in Honolulu, where Nabors had purchased a home and often spent time between performances and tours. Cadwallader was working as a firefighter at the time, and the laid-back culture of Hawaii offered a safe space for them to form a genuine connection.
What began as a friendship soon grew into a committed relationship. They shared values of kindness, loyalty, and simplicity, preferring quiet life at home over public attention. The couple developed a deep bond built on respect and emotional closeness—qualities that sustained their partnership through decades of social change.
Because the entertainment industry in the 1970s and 1980s was not welcoming to LGBTQ+ public figures, Nabors kept his romantic life private. However, those close to him were aware of his relationship with Cadwallader, and the two lived openly within their personal circles.
Their Long-Term Partnership Before Marriage
For nearly 38 years, Jim Nabors and Stan Cadwallader shared a loving partnership without the legal recognition that same-sex couples lacked for most of their early relationship. They lived together, traveled together, and built a shared life on the island of Oahu, where Nabors owned a picturesque plantation-style estate filled with gardens, ocean breezes, and natural beauty.
Nabors often spoke of his desire for a peaceful life away from Hollywood, and Hawaii offered exactly that. Together, he and Cadwallader created a sanctuary built on comfort and companionship. Their life was quiet but fulfilling, centered around simple pleasures: evenings at home, community gatherings, travel, and time spent with close friends.
Their Marriage in 2013
Everything changed in 2012 when same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington State. After nearly four decades together, Nabors and Cadwallader finally had the opportunity to legally solidify their relationship. They married on January 15, 2013, in a small, intimate ceremony at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.
Nabors later publicly confirmed the wedding, expressing joy and gratitude at being able to marry the man he loved. He stated in interviews that the decision felt natural after so many years together. The ceremony was private, with only close friends in attendance, reflecting the couple’s lifelong preference for personal intimacy over public spectacle.
Their marriage was widely celebrated by fans who admired Nabors and appreciated the decades-long commitment the couple had shared.
Life Together in Hawaii
After their marriage, Nabors and Cadwallader continued life much as they always had. They enjoyed the tranquility of Hawaii, where Nabors maintained a vast estate filled with lush landscaping and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their home became a place where the couple could live without the pressures of Hollywood, surrounded by beauty and community.
Both men were known for their kindness and involvement in local activities. They cultivated friendships with neighbors, supported charitable causes, and embraced Hawaii as their true home. Nabors’ love for the islands was well known—he even infused traditional Hawaiian music into some of his recordings.
Their peaceful existence continued until Nabors’ health began to decline in his later years.
Jim Nabors’ Passing and Stan Cadwallader Today
Jim Nabors passed away on November 30, 2017, at the age of 87, at the home he shared with Cadwallader. His death was widely mourned by fans, colleagues, and the entertainment community, but the deepest loss was felt by his husband, who had devoted more than half his life to supporting and loving the entertainer.
Cadwallader rarely speaks publicly, respecting both his own privacy and Nabors’ legacy. However, in statements released shortly after Nabors’ passing, he expressed gratitude for their long life together and for the love and support shown by fans. Today, Cadwallader continues to live quietly, preserving the memory of their enduring partnership.
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