Burl Ives Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Burl Ives is an American folk music legend, Oscar-winning actor, and enduring voice behind holiday classics that continue to resonate worldwide.

Burl Ives’s career touched multiple facets of American entertainment — from touring folk singer and radio host to acclaimed actor and voice artist. Born June 14, 1909, Ives’s journey shaped both the preservation of traditional folk music and Hollywood’s cinematic landscape. Over decades of performance, recordings, and screen work, his contributions have left an indelible mark on popular culture while building a legacy reflected in his historical estimated net worth.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

A Folk Singer’s Road from Rural Roots to National Stages

Burl Ives was born June 14, 1909, on a farm near Hunt City, Illinois, where his early life was steeped in the songs and stories of rural America. Music was never incidental — it was foundational. Taught traditional ballads by his mother and grandmother, he grew up immersed in the musical heritage of Irish, Scottish, and English folk tunes. 

His career began not in studios or on Broadway, but on the road. Ives toured the country during the Great Depression, performing with his guitar and learning from the communities he encountered. This nomadic phase established his deep connection to the folk tradition and earned him the nickname “The Wayfaring Stranger,” later used for his radio show and autobiography. 

Defining moments in Burl Ives’s journey include:

• Touring the United States as an itinerant folk singer before national recognition.

• Hosting The Wayfaring Stranger radio program and popularizing folk classics. 

• Breaking into Broadway and film with acclaimed roles. 

• Lending his voice to timeless holiday specials. 

The Core Pillars of Burl Ives’s Wealth Include:

Ives’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated at $5 million, reflecting earnings from diverse entertainment avenues.

• Folk Music Recordings: Iconic albums, including seasonal favorites that enjoy perennial sales. 

• Film & Television Work: An extensive screen career with roles in Hollywood features and TV specials. 

• Broadway & Stage Performances: Live theatre roles that expanded his artistic reach. 

• Authorship & Royalties: Books and songbooks that extended his influence beyond performance.

Relationships & Family Life: A Personal Portrait

Burl Ives’s personal life was as full as his professional one, involving enduring partnerships and family ties. Despite the public nature of his work, Ives kept his relationships grounded in everyday reality.

Marriages:

• Helen Peck Ehrlich: Married December 6, 1945; ended in divorce February 17, 1971. They had one child together.

• Dorothy Koster Paul: Married April 16, 1971; remained together until Ives’s passing.

Key insights into Burl Ives’s relationships and personal life:

• Ives experienced life with both spouses during different phases of his career. 

• His family, including children and grandchildren, were part of his later years. 

• He found personal stability and community involvement in Anacortes, Washington, after retirement.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Passions & Interests

Beyond his performance accolades, Ives’s life reflected deep cultural engagement and personal interests.

Beyond career success, Burl Ives leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Community involvement: Benefit concerts and local support efforts in his adopted hometown.

• Holiday heritage: His voice became synonymous with seasonal traditions, keeping folk music alive for new generations.

• Artistic legacy: A lasting presence in recordings, films, and holiday classics cherished by families.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Ives’s financial legacy is rooted in the enduring value of his creative work. Figures below reflect historical estimates at the time of his passing:

These figures aggregate the creative revenue streams that sustained Ives’s career.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Burl Ives’s influence extends far beyond his lifetime. To many, he is the voice of Christmas; his renditions of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” have become cultural touchstones. 

Film buffs remember his intense performances, particularly in The Big Country, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor — an honor highlighting his range beyond folk music.

Ives’s role in preserving and popularizing American folk music places him among the most important traditional musicians of the 20th century. Through radio, recordings, and television, he bridged generations with stories told through song.

Conclusion: A Legacy Etched in Song & Screen

From his birth June 14, 1909, Burl Ives’s life was defined by the stories he sang and the characters he embodied. While his net worth at death reflected financial success, his true wealth lies in the voices of millions who still sing his songs, the holiday traditions his voice defines, and the monumental impact he had on American culture.

His relationships anchored him in both family and community. His birthdate and birthday are celebrated by folk and film enthusiasts alike, ensuring his legacy continues long after his passing.