Country Music Hall Of Famer Jean Shepard Dies At 82

Jean Shepard

ALL ACCESS extends sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and fans of COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME and GRAND OLE OPRY member JEAN SHEPARD, who passed away YESTERDAY (9/25). She was 82.

SHEPARD celebrated 60 years as an OPRY member last YEAR, after having been formally invited to join on her birthday, NOVEMBER 21st, 1955. SHEPARD rose to prominence at an early age after pairing with FERLIN HUSKY for 1953's "A Dear JOHN Letter." Included in her 45 charted Country singles across a three-decade career were, "Second Fiddle," "Slippin' Away," "A Satisfied Mind," GRAMMY nominated "Then He Touched Me," and "The Tip Of My Fingers." She became a mouthpiece for THE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTRY ENTERTAINERS (ACE) and was an advocate for fellow female artists.

SHEPARD first married HAWKSHAW HAWKINS in 1960, and the couple had two sons before HAWKINS' tragic death in the plane crash that also killed PATSY CLINE. She later married ROY ORBISON band member and road manager BENNY BIRCHFIELD in 1968 and had a third son. SHEPARD is survived by BIRCHFIELD and her three children. She entered hospice care last WEEK and reportedly passed away from complications from Parkinson's Disease. Arrangements are pending.

« see more Net News