Spoiler : Pearl, Minnie (birth name was Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon) Born in Centerville, Tennessee 10/25/1912; died 3/4/1996 of a stroke in Nashville, Tennessee. Pearl was diagnosed with cancer in 1985, and recovered after a double mastectomy. A mild stroke in 1991 forced her to quit performing. Pearl was a graduate of Ward Belmont College, then studied acting, and toured with an Atlanta company where she created her character, "How- deeee!, I'm just so proud to be here" Minnie Pearl.

Spoiler : Pearl played her Cousin Minnie Pearl character (from Grinder's Switch) on The Grand Ole' Opry stage (1939-1990). She was a member of the cast on River Boat Revels for NBC-Radio (1941). Screen debut playing Ma Culpepper in Forty Acre Feud (1965). Last movie role was playing her Minnie Pearl character in Coal Miner's Daughter (1980). Regular performer (Minnie Pearl) on television programs including The Grand Ole Opry for ABC (1955-1956); syndicated series, Hee Haw (1970-1991); On Stage America (1984). Pearl was named Country Woman Of The Year in 1966. In 1975 she was placed in the Country Music Singer's Hall of Fame.