Burt Reynolds And Dinah Shore: A Love Story That Transcended Age

Let me tell you a story about two legendary figures, Burt Reynolds and Dinah Shore. They shared a bond that defied age and societal expectations. Burt once revealed that Dinah would let him win at tennis, but it only deepened his admiration for her. "Dinah was a far better tennis player than me," he confessed to Closer in 2017. "But she'd pretend to struggle, allowing me the joy of victory. She was an incredible person—my best friend and confidant throughout her life."

How It All Began

Their journey started in 1970 when Burt appeared on Dinah's talk show, Dinah's Place. Despite a 19-year age gap, there was an instant connection. Burt, smitten, impulsively invited her to join him for the weekend in Palm Springs. Although Dinah, then 53 and twice divorced, declined, she eventually met him in Chicago. She believed that age was irrelevant when it came to relationships. "It's all about chemistry," she said, acknowledging the undeniable attraction between them.

A Sweet and Simple Romance

For the next four years, Burt and Dinah enjoyed a charming, low-key romance. They relished simple pleasures like playing tennis and golf. "I always dreamed of having a jock for a lover," Burt joked, highlighting their playful dynamic. Their shared Southern roots and professional experiences further strengthened their bond. Dinah, a celebrated recording artist of the 1940s, offered Burt invaluable advice as his star began to rise. "I trusted her advice implicitly," he recalled. "And she was always right, no matter what."

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Tabloids and Trials

Their relationship inevitably attracted media attention, turning them into tabloid favorites. "There was so much speculation about us," Dinah admitted. "I couldn’t comprehend the obsession." To protect their bond, they decided not to read anything written about them. "At least 90 percent of it wasn’t true," Dinah revealed. Despite their efforts, the differences in their life stages became apparent. Dinah, having already raised two children with her ex-husband George Montgomery, felt they were at different points in their lives. Burt, on the other hand, was eager to start a family. "Dinah wouldn’t marry me," Burt lamented. "She said she couldn’t give me children, but we could have adopted."

The End of an Era

Dinah felt that their relationship needed a defined endpoint. "I don’t want to grow old in his arms," she reportedly told a friend. Dinah never remarried, while Burt went on to wed Loni Anderson in 1988, adopting a son, Quinton. But Burt never forgot Dinah. "My biggest regret is letting her go," he confessed before his death in 2018. "We were soulmates. I was incredibly fortunate to have someone like her in my life. She was youthful in every sense of the word."

For more on this heartwarming tale, grab the latest issue of Closer magazine, available at newsstands now.