Picture this: it’s 1971, and Patti Carnel marries Bobby Sherman at the peak of his fame. The wedding grabs headlines, fans buzzing with excitement over their golden couple. She describes him in a Tiger Beat interview as intelligent, charming, and funny—a dream match, right? They soon welcome two sons, Christopher and Tyler, into their lives. But what’s it like raising kids when your husband’s face adorns magazine covers?
Sherman’s career keeps him busy with “Here Come the Brides” and chart-topping singles. Does the spotlight strengthen their bond or strain it? For Patti Carnel, it’s a balancing act. She focuses on creating a stable home, shielding her boys from the frenzy. Yet, fame extracts a toll. After eight years, their marriage crumbled, ending in divorce in 1979. Why did it fall apart? The details stay private—a choice that reflects Patti Carney’s preference for discretion over drama. She emerges from this chapter as a devoted mom, co-parenting amicably with Sherman, who later trades stardom for a career as a paramedic. Did this shift inspire her own resilience? It’s hard not to see her strength shining through.
What Happened When Patti Carnel Married David Soul?
Fast forward to 1980—Patti Carnel takes another leap into love, this time with David Soul, the blond half of “Starsky & Hutch.” Their romance blooms quickly after a year of dating, and they tie the knot on October 12. Soul, fresh off his TV glory, brings a new dynamic to her life. Did she hope for a fresh start after her first marriage? Their union produces three sons, adding to her family with Christopher and Tyler from Sherman. But does this fairy tale hold?
Trouble brews beneath the surface. Soul battles alcoholism and a fiery temper—issues that shadow their years together. In 1982, a chilling incident rocks their world. Soul, drunk after filming “Casablanca,” returns home to their Bel Air ranch. Patti Carnel, seven months pregnant with their second child together, faces his rage. He attacks her, breaking bones in her hand and leaving her with black eyes. Can you imagine the terror she feels? She later tells People magazine, “Every time there’s been violence with David, there’s been beer or wine on his breath.” Does this moment redefine her view of love?
The police intervene, and Soul faces arrest. A judge orders him into a two-year therapy program for anger and alcohol issues. Does this help? Patti Carnel pleads for their marriage to work, hoping for a “normal family environment” for her kids. She moves with her three youngest sons to Idaho, seeking stability away from Hollywood’s chaos. Soul visits sporadically, but their bond frays. By 1986, they divorce. Was Idaho her sanctuary? It seems so—she prioritizes her children’s peace over a fractured marriage.

Where Did Patti Carnel Find Her Strength?
Let’s pause here—how does Patti Carnel keep going through all this? Two marriages to famous men, each ending in heartbreak, might break anyone. Yet, she channels her energy into motherhood. Raising five boys—Christopher and Tyler with Sherman, and three with Soul—becomes her anchor. What drives her? Perhaps it’s the same determination that fueled her college years, mastering dance and design. She carves out a life in Idaho, far from tabloid glare. Does this move signal a reclaiming of her story?
Soul later reflects on his actions with regret, speaking out against domestic violence. Does this offer Patti Carnel closure? No public statements suggest she forgives or forgets, but her silence speaks volumes. She guards her privacy fiercely, letting her sons’ lives unfold away from fame’s reach. Christopher and Tyler dip into entertainment, echoing their dad’s talents, but they, too, stay low-key. Did she instill this groundedness in them? It’s a fair bet she did.
What’s Patti Carnel Up to Today?
So, where is Patti Carnel now? After her divorce from Soul, she steps back from the public eye. Some sources hint she married Micki Callan in 2011, finding a quieter happiness. Is this her happy ending? At around 72 years old today, she remains an enigma. No flashy interviews, no tell-all books—just a life lived on her terms. Does she still cook gourmet meals, a hobby she once loved? Does she watch her grandkids play, smiling at a legacy built on love, not headlines?
Her sons grow into men, some with families of their own. Sherman becomes a grandfather of six, and Soul leaves behind five sons and a daughter when he passes in 2024. Patti Carnel’s role as their rock likely shapes their paths. Does she ever reflect on her days with two icons? Maybe she does, but she keeps it close to her chest. Her story isn’t about fame—it’s about endurance, about nurturing life amid storms.
Why Does Patti Carney’s Story Matter?
Think about it—why should Patti Carnel linger in our minds? She’s not a singer, not an actress, yet her life brushes against cultural touchstones. Bobby Sherman’s bubblegum pop and David Soul’s cop-show cool define eras, and she stands at their crossroads. Does her tale resonate because it’s relatable? Love, loss, and resilience aren’t exclusive to Hollywood—they’re universal.
Her eco-friendly choice to retreat to Idaho mirrors a simpler, sustainable life. No glitz, just roots. Does this make her a quiet hero? Perhaps. She navigates fame’s fallout with grit, raising kids who dodge its pitfalls. Patti Carnel teaches us something—strength doesn’t shout; it endures. Have you ever faced chaos and chosen calm instead? She did, and that’s her legacy.

Final Thoughts: What Can We Learn from Patti Carnel?
Let’s wrap this up—what’s the takeaway from Patti Carnel’s journey? Life throws curveballs, whether you’re married to a pop star or not. She meets each one head-on, from Sherman’s adoring fans to Soul’s dark struggles. Does her story inspire you to find your own footing? It should. She proves you can weather fame, heartbreak, and upheaval without losing yourself.
Next time you hear “Starsky & Hutch” or a Sherman tune, think of Patti Carnel. She’s the unsung melody behind the hits—a woman who dances through life’s mess with grace. What’s her secret? Maybe it’s just being real, staying true, and loving fiercely. Isn’t that worth celebrating? You bet it is.