Becoming a grandparent often opens a new chapter in life, full of surprises and cherished moments. For Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, it sparked the idea to create something special. Their shared journey as grandparents became the inspiration for an exciting new project.
Set to release in September 2025, My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! is more than just a children’s book. It blends the couple’s love for storytelling with their iconic rock-and-roll spirit, offering a fresh take on family life through the eyes of grandparents.
This marks a creative leap for the duo, known for decades of musical collaboration. With this book, they show that even after years of rocking the stage, there’s always room to explore new ways of connecting and sharing their experiences.
A Rocking Celebration of Grandparents
The book is described as “a lyrical read-aloud that celebrates all kinds of grandparents from all walks of life—from plumbers to yoga instructors to…rock stars!” It’s a tribute to the many roles grandparents play while showing their unique flair.
Benatar and Giraldo, married since 1982, are no strangers to family life. They have two daughters, Haley and Hana, and three grandchildren: Stevie, Lola, and Cash. Their experiences as grandparents clearly influenced this heartfelt project.
In an exclusive statement to People, the couple shared their hopes for the book. “We hope grandparents and grandchildren everywhere will see themselves in the pages of this book and love reading it as much as we loved writing it.”
Grandparents Living the Dream
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo shared their joy of being grandparents, describing the experience as everything they had hoped for and more. “Everything they said about having grandchildren is true,” the couple remarked in a recent interview.
Reflecting on their journey since meeting in 1979, they expressed gratitude for their growing family. “Having children was one of our dreams,” they said. “We were blessed with two beautiful daughters and now have three darling grandchildren—our dream on steroids!”
My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! is brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Tiffany Everett. Fans can pre-order the book now through Sourcebooks.com ahead of its release.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Grandchildren
Benatar and Giraldo shared their thoughts in a video interview about My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! posted on the Sourcebooks website. The couple reflected on how their roles as grandparents inspired the book.
“Everywhere we go, we talk to people. They say, ‘Are you grandparents? Oh, we love it,’” Giraldo explained. “So, we wanted to do something special for our grandchildren.”
Benatar added with a smile, “Our grandchildren don’t fully understand what we do for a living. They see us in videos, but to them, we’re just their grandma and papa. This book is for them—and for all the grandchildren out there. They’re so special.”
Honoring a Country Legend
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are part of an all-star tribute to the late Patsy Cline in PBS’ Great Performances: Patsy Cline: Walkin’ After Midnight. The episode premieres Friday, November 22, at 9 p.m. ET. The special celebrates Cline’s enduring legacy with a mix of performances and personal reflections.
The show features highlights from a tribute concert held on April 22, 2024, at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. Benatar, joined by Giraldo, performed Cline’s 1962 classic “Imagine That.” Other notable performers included Wynonna Judd, Ashley McBryde, Mickey Guyton, Crystal Gayle, and more.
In a statement, Benatar and Giraldo shared their gratitude for being part of the event, calling it “an honor and a privilege to celebrate the life and work of this incredible woman.” Patsy Cline’s remarkable career was tragically cut short by a plane crash in March 1963, when she was just 30 years old.