This “Queen of Country Comedy” was born Sarah Ophelia Colley, on October 25, 1912, in Centerville, Tennessee.  She fell in love with the stage at a very young age and dreamed of becoming an actress and a dancer.  After graduating from high school, she attended Nashville’s Ward-Belmont College, where she earned a degree in speech and drama.  While touring with a show group in Alabama in 1936, she developed the character that would become “Minnie Pearl.”  Minnie earned a spot on the Grand Ole Opry in 1940 and proceeded to win the hearts of young and old alike with her down-home antics and comedy.  From the beginning, she wore a cheap cotton dress and wide brimmed hat that still had the price tag attached, and always opened her bit part with a loud “How-dee, I’m so glad to be here.”  Minnie had a long, successful career and became a legend in her time.  Minnie passed away March 4, 1996.

Dusty Owens
TCM Radio News

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