Is Stan Cadwallader Still Alive in 2026? Jim Nabors’ Husband Explained

For decades, the world knew Jim Nabors as the lovable, naive Gomer Pyle, who exclaimed “Shazam!” and “Golly!” into the living rooms of millions. But behind the laughter and the incredible baritone voice that graced the Indianapolis 500, there was a private world that Nabors guarded fiercely. At the center of that world was Stan Cadwallader.

While Nabors was a household name, Cadwallader remained a figure of quiet dignity, a former firefighter who preferred the serenity of Hawaii to the glitz of Hollywood. Their relationship, spanning nearly four decades before they could legally marry, is not just a footnote in celebrity history; it is a testament to loyalty, patience, and enduring love.

Quick Bio: Stan Cadwallader

Who Was Jim Nabors? (Beyond Gomer Pyle)

To understand Stan Cadwallader’s life, one must first understand the massive shadow cast by his partner. Jim Nabors was not merely a sitcom actor; he was a cultural phenomenon.

From Alabama to Mayberry

Born in Sylacauga, Alabama, in 1930, Nabors brought an authentic Southern charm to Hollywood. His big break came when Andy Griffith discovered him working at a Santa Monica nightclub. 

What was meant to be a one-off role as a gas station attendant on The Andy Griffith Show turned into a career-defining moment. The character of Gomer Pyle was so beloved that it spawned a spin-off, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., which ran for five successful seasons.

The Voice That Shook the Speedway

Perhaps even more surprising than his comedic timing was his singing voice. Nabors possessed a rich, operatic baritone that seemed impossible coming from the actor who played the goofy Gomer. This talent led to:

• Over 28 albums recorded.
• Three gold and one platinum record certifications.
• A 42-year tradition of singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500, a legacy that cemented him as an American treasure.

Who Is Stan Cadwallader? A Life of Service

While Jim Nabors lived in the spotlight, Stan Cadwallader built a life defined by service and bravery. He was never seeking fame, which is precisely why he and Nabors were such a perfect match.

Roots in Honolulu

Stan Cadwallader was born on January 28, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Growing up in the islands instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and a slower pace of life values that would later attract Nabors to make Hawaii his permanent home.

A Career in the Line of Fire

Before he was known as a celebrity spouse, Cadwallader was a hero in his own right. He spent his early career as a professional firefighter with the Honolulu Fire Department. This is a crucial detail often overlooked: Cadwallader had his own identity, pension, and life trajectory before meeting Nabors.

• Profession: Firefighter (Honolulu Fire Department)
• Later Ventures: Business associate, estate manager.
• Personality: Described by friends as grounded, stoic, and fiercely protective of privacy.

The Meeting: How Paths Crossed in 1975

The year was 1975. Jim Nabors, then 45 and at the height of his fame, was visiting Honolulu. Stan Cadwallader was 27 years old. They met not at a Hollywood gala, but in a far more mundane setting, a connection that sparked a friendship that would eventually turn into a lifelong partnership.

At the time, the age gap of 18 years raised eyebrows among the few who knew, but for Nabors and Cadwallader, it was irrelevant. Cadwallader eventually began working for Nabors, helping to manage his business affairs in Hawaii. This professional relationship allowed them to maintain a level of discretion that was necessary for the era.

A Sanctuary in the Pacific

In 1976, just a year after they began dating, Nabors moved from Bel Air to Hawaii permanently. Together, they built a life that was insulated from the prying eyes of the tabloids.

• The Macadamia Farm: One of their shared passions was agriculture. For 25 years, they owned and operated a macadamia nut plantation on Maui. This wasn’t just a hobby; it was a functioning business that kept them grounded.
• The Sale: In a move that showcased their commitment to conservation, they sold the farm to the National Tropical Botanical Garden in 2002, ensuring the land would be preserved, while retaining the rights to live on the property.

The Historic Marriage: “Solidifying” 38 Years

For the vast majority of their relationship, marriage was not a legal option. They lived as partners in every sense of the word, but in the eyes of the law, they were strangers. That changed in 2013.

The Ceremony

On January 15, 2013, exactly one month after same-sex marriage became legal in Washington state, Nabors (82) and Cadwallader (64) flew to Seattle.

• Venue: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
• Guests: A small, intimate group of friends.
• The Judge: Judge Steve Gonzalez presided over the ceremony.

Why It Mattered

In a rare interview with Hawaii News Now, Nabors explained the decision with heartbreaking simplicity: “It’s pretty obvious that we had no rights as a couple, yet when you’ve been together 38 years, I think something’s got to happen there, you’ve got to solidify something.”

This wasn’t a political statement for Nabors, who generally avoided activism. It was a practical and emotional necessity to ensure that Cadwallader, his partner of nearly four decades, would be legally protected.

The Final Years and Life After Loss

The later years of their relationship were marked by health struggles, during which Cadwallader’s role transitioned from partner to primary caregiver.

Facing Illness Together

Nabors suffered a near-fatal case of Hepatitis B in 1994, which required a liver transplant. Cadwallader was by his side through the recovery. In later years, as Nabors’ health declined due to age and immune system suppression, Cadwallader ensured his husband remained comfortable at their Diamond Head home.

The Passing of a Legend

Jim Nabors passed away on November 30, 2017, at the age of 87. The official cause of death was listed as complications from the immune system, but practically, it was a peaceful end to a long life. Stan was by his side when he took his final breath.

Stan Cadwallader Today (2026 Update)

Since Nabors’ death, Stan Cadwallader has remained true to his nature: private and dignified.

• Is Stan Cadwallader still alive? Yes. As of early 2026, there are no credible reports of his passing. He would be 78 years old.
• Where is he? He continues to reside in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Activity: He has stepped away from all public life, choosing not to give interviews or maintain social media. He focuses on managing the estate and enjoying the quiet retirement he earned.

Stan Cadwallader’s Net Worth in 2026

While many sources throw out generic numbers, a closer look at the assets involved provides a more accurate picture of Stan Cadwallader’s financial standing in 2026. As the sole heir to Jim Nabors, Cadwallader inherited a substantial estate.

Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million – $20 Million

Breakdown of Assets

The wealth is not just from Nabors’ TV earnings, but from smart real estate investments they made together in Hawaii.

1. The Diamond Head Estate: Nabors’ primary residence was a stunning oceanfront home near Diamond Head in Honolulu. Following Nabors’ death, this property was a significant asset. Similar properties in this exclusive area are valued between $10 million and $12 million.
2. The Maui Farm Sale: As noted, they sold their 300+ acre macadamia farm to the National Tropical Botanical Garden. The sale price was reported to be $4.7 million.
3. Royalties and Residuals: Nabors continues to earn royalties from Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. syndication and his music catalog. While not as lucrative as modern residuals, they provide a steady income stream.
4. Pension: Cadwallader also retains his pension from his service with the Honolulu Fire Department.

Note: This is an estimate based on public real estate transaction records and standard inheritance laws, as the specific details of the will were kept private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Jim Nabors and Stan Cadwallader have any children?
No, the couple did not have any children. They devoted their lives to each other, their dogs, and their extended families.

Was Stan Cadwallader Jim Nabors’ personal assistant?
Technically, yes. In the beginning, Stan worked for Jim managing business affairs, which allowed them to travel and live together without raising suspicion in a less tolerant era. However, the romantic relationship began almost immediately.

What is the age difference between Jim Nabors and Stan Cadwallader?
There was an 18-year age difference. Jim was born in 1930, and Stan was born in 1948.

Did Jim Nabors ever marry Rock Hudson?
No. This is a famous urban legend. In the 1970s, a rumor circulated that Nabors and Hudson had married. The rumor was so damaging to their careers that they actually stopped speaking to each other to kill the story. They were never romantically involved.

Is Stan Cadwallader involved in show business?
No. Stan has never worked in entertainment. He was a firefighter and later managed Nabors’ assets, but he never sought acting or singing roles.

Where does Stan Cadwallader live now?
He continues to live in Hawaii, likely in the Honolulu area, where he has resided for most of his life.

Why did they wait so long to get married?
They waited because it was not legally possible for them to marry for the first 38 years of their relationship. They married almost immediately after it became legal in Washington state.

Did Stan inherit all of Jim Nabors’ money?
While the will was private, as the surviving spouse, Stan Cadwallader was the primary beneficiary of the estate, which included real estate and intellectual property rights.

Is Stan Cadwallader active on social media?
No. Stan does not have public Instagram, Twitter (X), or Facebook accounts. He maintains a very strict level of privacy.

How tall is Stan Cadwallader?
Stan is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, standing slightly shorter than Jim Nabors, who was 6 feet tall.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Quiet Devotion

The story of Stan Cadwallader and Jim Nabors is not one of Hollywood scandals, but of quiet, enduring devotion. For nearly half a century, Stan Cadwallader stood by the side of one of America’s most beloved entertainers first as a friend, then as a partner, and finally, triumphantly, as a husband.

In 2026, Cadwallader continues to live the life he and Jim cherished: one of privacy and peace in the Hawaiian islands. While the world misses the voice of Gomer Pyle, Stan Cadwallader remains the keeper of his legacy, proving that sometimes the most powerful love stories are the ones that happen away from the cameras.