10 Surprising Facts About Brandi Carlile’s Wife, Catherine Carlile: Inside Their Private Life And 2025 Family Update

Brandi Carlile has solidified her place as one of the most powerful and authentic voices in modern music, a journey that sees her poised for another major performance at the 2025 CMA Awards. Yet, for many fans, the story of the woman who stands beside her—her wife, Catherine Carlile—remains a fascinating, and often private, chapter. Catherine Carlile (née Shepherd) is far more than just the spouse of a Grammy-winning artist; she is a former philanthropic executive, a certified member of the "Bramily," and a co-architect of their unique family life and professional success. This article dives deep into the life of Catherine, revealing the surprising details of their decade-plus marriage, their two children, and the powerful impact they have together on the world of music and charity.

The couple, who first met in 2009 and married in 2012, represents one of the most visible and inspiring LGBTQ+ couples in the industry, openly sharing their journey of love, career, and family building. Their partnership is a harmonious blend of creative passion and grounded stability, making Catherine a foundational entity in Brandi Carlile's life and career.

Brandi Carlile: A Biography of the Grammy-Winning Artist

Brandi Marie Carlile was born on June 1, 1981, in Ravensdale, Washington. Known for her powerful, genre-spanning music that incorporates folk rock, Americana, and country, Carlile's career is marked by critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase. Her musical journey began in her teens, but her breakthrough came with the 2007 album, The Story, produced by T Bone Burnett. The title track, "The Story," became a seminal piece in her repertoire and a global hit.

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• Full Name: Brandi Marie Carlile
• Born: June 1, 1981 (currently 44 years old as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Ravensdale, Washington, U.S.
• Grammy Awards: 11-time Grammy Award winner, with multiple nominations across various genres.
• Key Collaborators: The Hanseroth Twins (Tim and Phil Hanseroth), who have been her bandmates and co-writers since 1999.
• Supergroup: Co-founder of the country music supergroup The Highwomen in 2019, alongside Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby. The group’s mission is to amplify female voices in country music.
• Memoir: Author of the *New York Times* best-selling memoir, *Broken Horses* (2021).
• Current Event: Scheduled to perform at the 2025 CMA Awards in celebration of her latest work.

The Love Story: How Brandi Met Her Wife Catherine Shepherd

The relationship between Brandi Carlile and Catherine Carlile is a testament to shared values and a serendipitous connection. Their meeting was rooted in a shared commitment to philanthropy, a theme that continues to define their life together.

A Chance Meeting Through Charity

Brandi and Catherine first crossed paths in 2009 while Brandi was touring in the United Kingdom. Catherine, who was born in 1975, was working as a philanthropic executive for Paul McCartney’s charity, the *MPL Communications*. Brandi had been invited to contribute to one of the charity’s campaigns, and it was during this professional interaction that their personal connection blossomed. Catherine's background in global philanthropy, combined with Brandi's burgeoning charitable efforts through her own foundation, immediately gave them common ground.

A Private Wedding in a Public Eye

After three years of dating, the couple married on September 15, 2012, in a private ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts. Their wedding marked a significant, joyful moment for Carlile, who has always been open about her sexuality and her desire for a family. Since their marriage, Catherine has fully embraced her role within Brandi's professional world, transitioning from her previous philanthropic career to become Brandi's manager. This professional partnership ensures their personal and career goals remain completely aligned, a powerful strategy for navigating the demanding life of a touring musician.

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Catherine, who is the daughter of British actor and playwright Jack Shepherd, brings a strong, grounded presence to Brandi’s life. Her quiet support and business acumen are often cited as key factors in Brandi's recent surge of mainstream success, including her multiple Grammy wins and her involvement with The Highwomen.

Building the “Bramily”: Children, Motherhood, and Home Life

The Carlile-Carlile family is a central pillar of Brandi's life and a frequent, heartfelt subject in her music, most notably in her 2014 song "The Mother," which has become an anthem for modern motherhood.

The Two Children: Evangeline Ruth and Elijah

Brandi and Catherine knew they wanted to start a family immediately after their wedding. They are the proud parents of two children, both daughters.

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• Evangeline Ruth Carlile: Born in 2014, she is currently 11 years old (as of late 2025). Her birth inspired the song "The Mother," a heartfelt tribute to the complexities and unconditional love of being a parent.
• Elijah Carlile: Born in 2018, she is currently 7 years old (as of late 2025). The couple chose to keep the gender of their second child private for a time, but Brandi has since referred to both children as daughters.

The family lives on a secluded property in Maple Valley, Washington, near the Hanseroth twins, Tim and Phil, who are not only Brandi’s bandmates but also her neighbors and close friends. This unique setup creates an extended family environment, which Brandi refers to as the "Bramily" (a portmanteau of Brandi and Family), ensuring the children grow up surrounded by a supportive, musical community.

The Reality of Motherhood on the Road

Brandi and Catherine are committed to keeping their family life as normal as possible despite Brandi’s demanding touring schedule. They often travel together, with Catherine managing the logistics of both Brandi’s career and the children's schooling and routines. Brandi has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing a successful music career with being a hands-on parent, emphasizing that Catherine's organizational skills and unwavering support are essential to making it work. Their commitment to co-parenting and mutual support is a core theme they share with their fans.

The Looking Out Foundation and Shared Philanthropy

Beyond their family and music career, Brandi and Catherine are deeply involved in social justice and charitable work through the Looking Out Foundation (LOF). This foundation, co-founded by Brandi, Tim, and Phil Hanseroth in 2008, is a crucial part of the Carlile family’s mission.

The LOF's mission is to amplify the impact of music by empowering those without a voice, focusing on grassroots causes. To date, the foundation has raised over $6 million for various initiatives worldwide.

Key Initiatives and Entities:

• The Story Campaign: A long-running campaign that focuses on raising funds for causes like the fight against HIV/AIDS, often in partnership with organizations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
• The Fund for Women: Dedicated to supporting women's rights and empowerment globally.
• Children in Conflict: Brandi Carlile serves as a Global Ambassador, pledging to prioritize the safety and well-being of children affected by conflict worldwide.
• The Bramily Fund: A specific fund that allows fans to easily donate and support the foundation’s various causes, reinforcing the community aspect of Brandi’s fanbase.

Catherine Carlile’s professional background as a philanthropic executive has been invaluable to the foundation's structure and success. She transitioned from working for a music legend's charity (Paul McCartney) to managing the charitable and professional interests of her wife, seamlessly blending her expertise in advocacy with the world of music. Their joint commitment to the LOF demonstrates that their partnership is not just personal, but a powerful force for social good, making the Carlile-Carlile family a true power couple in the world of Americana and philanthropy.