Don McClean, 77, cosies up to girlfriend Paris Dunn, 28, in Ireland at museum exhibit
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Donald McClean enjoyed a day out in Ireland on Thursday with his younger girlfriend Paris Dunn.
The pair, 77 and 28 respectively, who went Instagram official in 2016, got cozy when they visited the Newbridge Silverware shop and museum in Kildare, where one of his guitars is on display.
American Pie singer Don, 77, will be playing a show at Dublin’s 3Arena on Friday.
Get Out: Don McClean, 77, socialized with girlfriend Paris Dunn, 28, in Ireland on Thursday as they visited a museum exhibition in his honor
Don looked smart in a pair of gray trousers, which he paired with a black suit and purple scarf.
Paris, meanwhile, showed off her curves in a figure-hugging beige sweater and black leggings.
She wore her long dark locks and over her shoulders and makeup including matte foundation and a glossy lip.
Fit: Don looked neat in gray pants, which he paired with a black suit and a purple scarf
If you have it! Paris, meanwhile, showed off her curves in a figure-hugging beige sweater and black leggings
Check-in: The couple appeared to be signing a visitor’s book that day
At the event, Paris put her arm around Don as he mingled with guests and crowds.
At one point, he drummed on a guitar while reflecting on his successful career.
The couple have been dating for nearly five years after breaking up with ex-wife Patrisha Shnier in 2016.
Doing his thing: at one point he drummed on a guitar while reflecting on his successful career
Close: During the event, Paris wrapped her arm around Don as he mingled with guests and crowds
Hitmaker: He is known for songs like American Pie
The split came after Don’s arrest on charges of domestic violence, where she accused him of “adultery, cruel and abusive treatment, and irreconcilable disagreements” in legal documents.
Speaking of their romance, Don . told PEOPLE last year that Paris is the “greatest person” he has ever known.
“Love is the most important thing you can have. You have to love someone. Hate is such a burden. It’s a complete waste of time. I love my kids and I love my girlfriend. I love her.’
Memories: One of his guitars and some stage clothes on display for fans
Following: American Pie Singer Don, 77, To Play A Show At Dublin’s 3Arena On Friday
“She’s the most wonderful person I’ve ever known. I think of her when I sing many of my songs,” he said, adding his song And I Loved You So from his 1970 debut album Tapestry: “But I mostly think of her when I sing that song.”
He added: ‘I am honored to have her as a friend and partner and we have no plans to ever break up. We’ll stay together as long as possible and ride this pony.’
He explained that love has helped him through the hard times, adding, “You have to be in love with something. When I’ve had bad times in my life, I’ve always loved my guitar. And now I have Paris.’
Happy on and off stage: Speaking of their romance, Don told PEOPLE last year that Paris is the “great person” he’s ever known. Pictured during a performance in London on October 4
The couple officially became Instagram in 2016, when she posted a photo of their Thanksgiving and wrote, “I’m grateful to him. Happy Thanksgiving from Don & I.”
She came to prominence on a 2017 episode of Catfish, about an incident in 2011 in which she started a relationship and exchanged nude photos with 33-year-old basketball player Chris “Birdman” Andersen, when she was 17.
But as it turned out, they weren’t actually talking to each other, but a Canadian woman named Shelly Chartier was trying to get money from Andersen.
“She’s the most wonderful person I’ve ever known. I think of her when I sing many of my songs,” he said, adding his song And I Loved You So from his 1970 debut album Tapestry: “But I mostly think of her when I sing that song.”
Front page news: In July 2016, Don pleaded guilty to domestic violence. His lawyers said at the time that he would only be fined $3,000 if he stayed out of trouble for a year
Don was married to ex-wife Patrisha Shnier, 63, from 1987 to 2016, and they share son Wyatt and daughter Jackie.
Patrisha filed for divorce two months after his arrest for domestic violence, citing “adultery, cruel and abusive treatment and irreconcilable differences.”
In July 2016, Don pleaded guilty to domestic violence. His lawyers said at the time that he would only be fined $3,000 if he stayed out of trouble for a year.
His attorney, Walter McKee, also told DailyMail.com at the time that Don insisted he hadn’t been violent despite the plea.
“Don has been adamant from day one that he didn’t do what his now ex-wife said he did,” McKee said.
“But in the end he decided it was better to just settle the matter now and be done with it through pleas with no jail time, zero probation and only fines.”
Former Flame: Don was married to ex-wife Patrisha Shnier, 63, from 1987 to 2016, and they share son Wyatt and daughter Jackie