From American Songwriter · Erinn Callahan · · 1m
Minnie Pearl's 114th Birthday
Minnie Pearl, the Grand Ole Opry icon, celebrated 114 years of life today after a $1.98 price tag on her flowered hat.
In brief
Minnie Pearl, the Grand Ole Opry icon, celebrated 114 years of life today after a $1.98 price tag on her flowered hat. Minnie Pearl, born October 25, 1912, became a Grand Ole Opry icon with her comedy persona after a $1.98 price tag on her flowered hat. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Minnie Pearl's Birth
Sarah Ophelia Colley was born in Centerville, Tennessee on October 25, 1912.
Minnie Pearl's Double Life
By day, she was Sarah Colley Cannon, the educated wife of World War II pilot Henry R. Cannon; by night, she performed as Minnie Pearl.
Minnie Pearl's Signature
She wore a flowered straw hat with a $1.98 price tag and a thrift-shop cotton-print dress.
Minnie Pearl's Grand Ole Opry Debut
She made her Grand Ole Opry debut on November 30, 1940, after catching WSM radio executives' attention.
Minnie Pearl's Legacy
She retired after a 1991 stroke and died in 1996 at age 83, becoming a Grand Ole Opry icon.
The key point
Minnie Pearl, born October 25, 1912, became a Grand Ole Opry icon with her comedy persona after a $1.98 price tag on her flowered hat.
