Minnie Pearl, born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, passed away on March 4, 1996 at the age of 83 in Nashville, Tennessee. Minnie Pearl was an American country comedian known primarily for her appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and for her character of a funny country woman, wearing her trademark hat with the price tag still attached. She began her career in 1941 at a small radio station in Tennessee, eventually moving on to much larger stations before eventually performing in comedy clubs, theaters, and television. She made what would become her signature entrance each time, saying, "Howddyyyyyyyy, I'm so glad to be here. I was so timid as a child my mother said if I didn't started speaking out, people would think I didn't have a father." In 1960, Minnie joined the Grand Ole Opry and was eventually inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1975. Minnie was known for her philanthropic work and was the spokesperson for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She was also renowned for her charitable work beginning in 1937 when she organized the Minnie Pearl Cancer Fund. Minnie's character and contributions to country music and comedy will be remembered fondly.