March 29, 2024
Country music icon Jean Shepard dies at 82
NASHVILLE - Jean Shepard, "the grand lady of the Grand Ole Opry" who had a long recording career as an influential female in country music, died Sunday, according to an Opry spokeswoman. Shepard was 82.

Spokeswoman Jessie Schmidt said in a news release that Shepard had entered hospice care last week.

Shepard joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955 and helped set the standard for women in country music, choosing to tour as a solo act rather than as part of a group.

She presented a strong female point of view on songs like "Twice the Lovin' in Half the Time" and "The Root of All Evil (Is a Man)," influencing such key figures in country music as Loretta Lynn who came along a decade later.

Shepard also was credited with releasing country music's first concept album, "Songs From a Love Affair," in 1956.

Shepard was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and was one of 10 children. She was raised near Bakersfield, California, where she listened to the Grand Ole Opry, the show she later performed on. (Source: voanews)
Story Date: September 29, 2016
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