 |
|
The Grand Ole Opry is poised to celebrate the life and legacy of one of
its most iconic members ever, Minnie Pearl, leading up to the 100th
anniversary of the comedienne’s birth. Celebrations of the performer’s
humor and more than 50-year Opry career begin this week and will
culminate with an Opry show in her honor on Tues., Oct. 23.
Sarah Ophelia Colley was born in Centerville, TN on October 25, 1912
and became Mrs. Henry Cannon in 1947. She first appeared as the
now-iconic Minnie Pearl in 1938. An executive from 650 AM-WSM saw her
perform in 1940 and extended an invitation to her to appear on the Grand
Ole Opry. Minnie went on to entertain generations of fans from the Opry
stage as well as on television and stages around the world, joyfully
shouting, “How-dee! I’m jes’ so proud to be here!” and regaling
audiences with tales from the character’s fictional hometown, Grinder’s
Switch, Tennessee.