If you know anything about Brandi Carlile, you know she’s more than just a powerhouse vocalist and multiple Grammy Award winner. She’s a force—fierce in her music, fearless in her activism, and incredibly open about her love for her family. And at the heart of that family is her wife, Catherine Shepherd.
So who is the woman who shares her life with one of the most soulful voices in music? Let’s take a deeper (and more personal) look into the life and love of Catherine Shepherd.
Who Is Brandi Carlile Married To?
Brandi Carlile is married to Catherine Shepherd, and the two have been going strong since way before most people knew their names as a couple. They tied the knot on September 15, 2012, in a small ceremony in Boston. But the celebration didn’t stop there—they also held additional ceremonies in Washington and London to include all their loved ones from across the globe.
Their love story? It’s got a little bit of everything—charity, Beatles memorabilia, long-distance calls, and eventually, a backstage meet-cute in New York.
How Did They Meet?
Back in 2009, Catherine was working for Paul McCartney’s charity (yes, that Paul McCartney). She reached out to Brandi about donating Beatles memorabilia to one of Brandi’s campaigns. That sparked a conversation… and then another… and then a whole year of phone calls before they even met face-to-face.
That first in-person meeting came in 2010, backstage at a New York charity event. According to Brandi, their bond was instant and deep. It wasn’t just a crush—it was connection, shared purpose, and a whole lot of good timing.
What Does Catherine Shepherd Do?
These days, Catherine Shepherd is the executive director of the Looking Out Foundation, which was founded by Brandi and her bandmates in 2008. The foundation is all about giving back—whether it’s supporting LGBTQ+ rights, funding humanitarian aid, or helping underserved communities.
Originally from London, Catherine is the daughter of well-known British actor Jack Shepherd, and she spent over a decade working in the nonprofit world before stepping into her current leadership role. Oh, and fun fact? She’s also a musician and songwriter—something Brandi has openly gushed about.
In Brandi’s own words: “My life’s goal is to make her sing more.”
Their Life Together
Brandi and Catherine don’t just talk the talk—they live it. They’ve raised two daughters, Evangeline (born in 2014) and Elijah (born in 2018), and they juggle parenting, careers, and activism as a team.
Whether it’s co-hosting their radio show, raising over $300,000 for earthquake relief in Syria and Turkey, or just being each other’s biggest fans, they’re clearly in sync.
And in case you needed one more reason to love them? In 2023, Catherine proudly introduced Brandi’s Grammy performance, standing on stage with their two daughters and calling her wife “one of the greatest, most authentic artists and human beings on the planet.”
Talk about love goals.