- Born
- Died
- Birth nameSarah Colley
- Sarah Colley studied dramatics in Belmont College in Nashville, intending to be a serious actress, but while touring with an Atlanta company, she created the Minnie Pearl character that became her life's work. Her first Grand Old Opry appearance was on the radio show in 1940, followed by 27 years of touring. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1985, and recovered after a double mastectomy. A mild stroke in June 1991 forced her to give up performing.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Bruce Cameron <dumarest@midcoast.com>
- SpouseHenry Cannon(February 23, 1947 - March 4, 1996) (her death)
- Minnie Pearl had two fast food chains in the southern United States during the 1960s and 1970s. They were "Minnie Pearl's Roast Beef" and "Minnie Pearl's Chicken." The slogan for both chains was "Howww-deeee-licious!"
- First country music performer to be surprised with their life story on the 1950's series "This Is Your Life". Though stunned by the surprise, Minnie Pearl knew this was her big chance on network television and milked her appearance for all the comedy she could muster, leading to a highly active career as a guest performer on scores of non-country variety programs and talk shows.
- The costume she wore on stage (red and white checkered dress, straw hat with price tag still on it, etc.) was based on clothes she herself had picked out from a thrift store.
- In 1991 was one of 13 recipients of the National Medal of Art.
- Until his death in 1958, was frequently teamed with actor/comedian Rod Brasfield on the Grand Ole Opry.
- Kissing a fella with a beard is like a picnic. You don't mind going through a little brush to get there.
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