Shirley Jones, 1980 | Mairin Cassidy, 2021 | Source: Facebook.com/shauncassidy | Getty Images
- Shirley Jones and her granddaughter were quite an attraction attending an event together.
- Apart from their uncanny resemblance, they both share the same vibrant spirit.
- Shirley is the matriarch of a huge, close-knit family with 13 grandchildren.
On April 16, 2023, Shirley Jones attended the screening of "The Music Man" at the TCM Classic Film Festival. The event was held in Los Angeles, California, and the legendary actress brought one of her grandchildren, Mairin Cassidy, as her date.
Mairin Cassidy and Shirley Jones at a screening of “The Music Man” during the TCM Classic Film Festival on April 16, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
What stood out when the pair posed for photos at the event was that the star's granddaughter got to wear one of the original band uniforms from the 1962 film that her grandmother once starred in. However, Mairin put her unique spin on it. She wore the hat and coat but with a navy blue dress underneath and completed her look with gold shoes.
The following day, Shirley's son and Mairin's father, Shaun Cassidy, took to Facebook to share a photo of the duo, citing it as possibly his favorite pic from the event.
User comment dated April 17, 2023 | Source: Facebook/Shaun Cassidy
User comment dated April 17, 2023 | Source: Facebook/Shaun Cassidy
Shaun also shared that Mairin is his youngest daughter and that the uniform she was wearing was a gift from a friend who attended a Warner Brothers costume auction around twenty years ago, prompting a fan to comment:
"Yes, full circle! Beautiful tribute."
User comment dated April 17, 2023 | Source: Facebook/Shaun Cassidy
User comment dated April 17, 2023 | Source: Instagram/Shaun Cassidy
Among the comments that flocked to Shaun's post, one fan noted the "very strong resemblance" between the elegant veteran actress—who was dressed in an all-white suit, a top with a unique ruffle design, and matching sneakers—and her granddaughter, which was evident in their eyes. Another complimented their similar "lovely smiles" and the beautiful image that illustrates family history and love.
User comment dated April 17, 2023 | Source: Facebook/Shaun Cassidy
User comment dated April 17, 2023 | Source: Instagram/Shaun Cassidy
Shaun also shared the same photo on Instagram, and it elicited more responses highlighting Shirley's resemblance to Mairin. One person commented, "Your daughter looks exactly like you and grandma!" Someone else thought the post was cool and that it was obvious that Mairin is "Grandma's girl."
User comment dated April 17, 2023 | Source: Facebook/Shaun Cassidy
The actress has been blessed to have more than one grandchild in her long life. And Mairin didn't just inherit Shirley's looks, she also inherited her grandmother's vibrant spirit.
Like Grandmother, Like Granddaughter
In 2014, a week before her 80th birthday, Shirley announced that she would be marking her birthday by skydiving for the first time. She had always wanted to do this all her life. However, her sons intervened, barring her from taking that leap. Her spokesperson, Edward Lozzi, later revealed that the actress would no longer be celebrating her birthday on air but on the ground.
Shirley's wild energy seems to have rubbed off on her granddaughter Marin. Her father Shaun has shared many moments on social media, proving how Marin's spirit, energy, and vibrance, are much like her grandmother's.
At 8, the athletic Mairin hurt her eye while playing soccer and her father showed a photo of her bruised eye, adding how she "weirdly looked 27" in the pic.
As if she needed to do more extracurricular events, in 2019, Marin was photographed playing the piano, with Shaun proudly noting how he wasn't the only one into the craft. Meanwhile, on June 26, 2021, she was photographed fishing on her tenth birthday
Shirley's other grandchildren have also been captured doing fun activities. A love for horses is evident. So is the love of pics it seems, as one of her granddaughters has been photographed trying to catch a pig. Meanwhile, Shaun has been teaching his kids how to play poker.
Shirley's Full Life outside Hollywood and How She Raised Her Sons to Be Amazing Parents
Shirley was born an only child, so she relishes being the matriarch of a large family with 13 grandchildren. She has three sons—Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan— and a stepson, the late David Cassidy.
Shirley is proud of her sons and what they've accomplished. "I’ve raised three wonderful sons who grew up to be great men of character and accomplishment," she once said. She also loves having her grandchildren over.
The 89-year-old is enjoying the moment because she believes the present time is all we have. She lives a more private life after retiring from Hollywood, so it was a treat in August 2022 when she was seen out and about in Los Angeles. At the time, the rarely-seen actress went out for dinner with friends.
"The Partridge Family" alum, who showed off her fashionista side, dressed in a pink jogging top and pants with a visor and sneakers, ate at Encico's Delmonico's Steak and Lobster House. Despite being close to 90, Shirley still looked healthy while out with friends.
The star can also take credit for the incredible parents her children have become, with Shaun sharing several posts showing how he bonds with his kids.
In 2019, he appeared in an Instagram video alongside one of his children sticking out her tongue. Shaun smiled and laughed alongside his daughter, describing her as his "bodyguard" while touring, something Shaun makes sure his kids are part of.
During his tour, he also shared an image of his two girls "Getting ready for the big show," he wrote, adding, "One of the most gratifying parts of this whole tour has been sharing it with them."
Meanwhile, Shaun also marked his daughter's prom night with a photo and shared his pride. "Love them both," he captioned it. He also shared a photo of his two younger girls, Mairin and Lila, marking Halloween in 2020, and bonded with his three older kids in a photo shoot back in 2019.
It's no wonder Shirley continues to glow and possess an energetic spirit. Surrounded by her huge family, the actress's life is more than full. Asked what the secret to her happiness is, Shirley says, "A lot of laughter."
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