Thoughts & Prayers Requested After Jean Shepard Enters Hospice
***UPDATE (9/25/16): Jean Shepard passed away on Sunday (9-25) at the age of 82.
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Country music legend, female trailblazer, and the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry Jean Shepard has entered hospice care after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit earlier this week. This is the news from her son, Hawkshaw Hawkins Jr.
“Thank you everyone for your love and support during this tough time,” says Hawkins Jr. “Sadly, mom has went into the care of Hospice and is resting comfortably. Thank you to all of her fans who love her and are praying for our family. We love you.”
An Opry Member for now over six decades, 82-year-old Jean Shepard celebrated her 60th Anniversary on the stage show November 21st, 2015. Previously one of the institutions most active members, her performance schedule had significantly slowed down recently due to health issues.
Jean Shepard signed to Capitol Records in 1952. Her first hit was the duet “A Dear John Letter” with Ferlin Husky. Later she had hits of her own with “A Satisfied Mind,” “Take Possession,” and “Beautiful Lies.” Not just a trailblazer for women in country music, she also had to fight the uphill battle as a honky tonk singer during the genteel Countrypolitan era. Later she became a mainstay of the Grand Ole Opry and married fellow Opry performer Hawkshaw Hawkins who died in the same plane crash as Patsy Cline in 1963.
The news on Jean Shepard’s health issues comes as the roots music community mourns the loss of songwriter John D. Loudermilk on Wednesday, September 21st, and Buckwheat Zydeco on Saturday, September 24th.
September 24, 2016 @ 10:22 am
Wow ! 60 years on the Opry stage. If that isn’t living your dream ……
What a trooper . So sad to hear this news . Good wishes to Jean and her family .
September 25, 2016 @ 8:10 pm
So sorry to hear about mrs jean , ive been worried about her and benny , they are patrons of my work place, my prayers are with you benny and your family, she will be missed.
September 24, 2016 @ 10:55 am
Iam very sorry to hear about Jean she is a great singer I have her cds have heard sing hope she gets better soon
September 24, 2016 @ 12:47 pm
So sorry to hear the news about Jean Shepard. She’s been one of my favorites for 50 years. Actually, she is the longest tenured member of the Opry. In terms of age, I believe Jesse McReynolds, at 87, is the oldest living Opry member.
September 24, 2016 @ 2:22 pm
Sorry Hawkshaw Jr’ to hear of Your Mom’s illness love Her songs.’
September 24, 2016 @ 6:02 pm
I pickup up a 2cd set of hers for $2.99 this summer and loved every minute. Total surprise. No musical innovation, just bedrock, benchmark stuff that defines a style. Her voice is that of a woman perfectly sure of her own mind and principles. As a moniker, the “First Lady of Country Music” is nothing if not fair. You have admirers, Ms. Jean, and we’re praying for you.
September 24, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
Certainly it has been a devastating year for musical artists whose music has been a part of our lives; and to hear about Jean Shepherd coming down with an illness severe enough to put her in hospice is a severe blow. Like everyone else here, I too hope she gets the proper care and can recover.
September 25, 2016 @ 5:56 am
Jean used to come to Des Moines, on those big shows promoted by Smokey Smith, at the old
KRNT theatre. The good old days.
September 25, 2016 @ 6:44 am
I’m so sad to hear of jeans illness. I met her many years ago in upper state NY at her concert in a high school. She and I got to talk by ourselves in a classroom for half an hour. I will never forget that. My maiden name is Shepard. She is such a great lady and we talked about our lives, and she even ask me questions about my being in country music. A lot of stars only think of themselves. She is a sweetheart. Hope she gets well and my prayers are with her and her family.
September 25, 2016 @ 2:14 pm
Margie, I totally agree with you, what a Wonderful lady & so down to earth! I spent about 1/2 hr. with her when she was in Toronto On.many yrs. ago She insisted I go with her while she called home to Nashville to her kids!! I seen Jeannie again last yr.. when she sang at the Auction Barn Jamboree in Colborne On. (I live just East of there near Belleville On.) The dear soul had failed soo much, she couldn’t remember some words & hubby who was on stage right beside her would whisper a few words & away she went!!
I don’t know if you have heard but Jeannie passed away around 1pm this afternoon! (noticed your post at 6:44 this morning) I know she is at Peace singing with the Heavenly Angels & all her Country Music friends!! WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE TO BE>>GOD BLESS YOU JEANNIE~~
September 25, 2016 @ 7:40 am
Hershaw Hawkins Jr.
“Today is one of the hardest days of my life. Mom has been called home this morning and is now at peace. Please keep our family in your prayers during this tough time. Thank you everyone for your support.” Much love and prayers to Hawkshaw and the family. Ms. Jean was a wonderful person and a fantastic artist and one that both Mom and myself loved dearly. <3
Jean Shepard went home this morning (9-25-16) to be with her Lord and Savior. Jesus. She will be missed.
September 25, 2016 @ 7:51 am
I meant Hankshaw, just woke up, my bad
September 25, 2016 @ 1:20 pm
I love her music and I listened to her on line all the time. She was such a great lady and she will be missed
September 25, 2016 @ 8:31 am
Loved Jean Shepard,have been a fan forever! She will be so missed! Rest in peace Jean! See you later!❤️?
September 25, 2016 @ 10:56 am
Prayers and Blessings to Jean and family. Loved listening to her sing…. God Bless..
September 25, 2016 @ 12:29 pm
I am so heartbroken to hear of her passing. I feel like I just lost a friend. Thank you Jean for your songs, for the laughs and for being yourself…Rest in Peace love….<3
September 25, 2016 @ 1:04 pm
She was the best! My favorite Jean Shepard song and there were many. A Tear Drop by. And every time I think of Jean a Tear will Drop by. I will miss her. Was always hoping to see her again on the Grand Old Opry one more time. Have her Book Down Through Years Great Read. My Prayers go out to the family. R.I.P. Miss Shepard. Your Star will always shine bright.
September 25, 2016 @ 1:05 pm
What a classy true country singing lady! Thank you for the years of entertainment. Go join the ones before you in that huge country music band in the sky!
September 25, 2016 @ 6:01 pm
The grand lady will be missed. My prayers are with all her family.
September 25, 2016 @ 6:46 pm
I grew up listening to Jean’s beautiful voice because my Mum was one of her biggest fans, who used to sing along with her.
September 25, 2016 @ 7:58 pm
Hawkshaw, we saw you in June 2015 in Mn, also bought Jean’s book. We saw Jean in Branson a few years ago and I have a great picture of her with my husband. She also signed his cap. We love her so much and wish we could have seen her again in concert. We are sending our prayers and thoughts to you and the family.
September 26, 2016 @ 5:16 am
sorry to hear about jean passing i always like to her sing
September 26, 2016 @ 8:38 am
I loved to hear her sing and also watch her on on TV and on the Opry she was a great performer . The Opry will truly miss her.
September 26, 2016 @ 2:48 pm
Loved her so very much, grew up with her music. Loved her stories on Country Family Reunion. Will miss this classy lady. Rest in peace.
September 26, 2016 @ 3:05 pm
So sooty and sad to hear of her passing. May she Rest In Peace
September 26, 2016 @ 3:18 pm
So sorry to hear about Jean passing. I love to hear her sing, and we watch her on Bill Anderson Country Family Reunion. She will be missed.
September 26, 2016 @ 6:28 pm
My thoughts and prayers to her family, her music family and all that loved her music. I have loved her music for as long as I can remember, she will never be forgotten, she will be missed by all
October 2, 2016 @ 1:22 pm
FAREWELL TO YOU JEAN SHEPARD. I AM A LONG TIME FAN OF YOU AND THE SONGS YOU SING ALONG WITH THE JOKES YOU TOLD ..VERY ENTERTAINING…I SAW YOU AT THE LCO CASINO IN HAYWARD WISCONSIN IN 2008, I EVEN GOT YOU TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH ME. GOD BLESS YOU, REST IN PEACE, YOUR WORK ON EARTH IS THROUGH.