1) Barbara was born on Christmas Day in 1948.
2) At the age of 11, was busy touring with The Johnny Cash Show. The show included several other famous musicians, including Patsy Cline, George Jones, and June Carter Cash.
3) Her father formed the Mandrell Family Band, which toured with much success across Asia.
4) She met her husband Ken Dudney through the Mandrell Family Band after her father hired him as a drummer.
5) Barbara was involved in a serious car crash on September 11, 1984, causing multiple fractures in her leg, lacerations and abrasions, and a serious concussion that caused temporary memory loss, confusion, and speech difficulties. She spent a year and a half in rehabilitation.
6) The Country Music Association named her the Entertainer of the Year in 1980 and 1981. The only other person to receive this honor twice in a row is Taylor Swift.
7) She and her sisters Louise and Irlene hosted an NBC variety show titled Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters. The show drew 40 million weekly viewers.
8) Her autobiography titled “Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story” appeared on the NY Times Best Seller List after 4 days of being released. It remained on the list for 6 months.
9) Barbara retired in 1997 after one final concert titled “Barbara Mandrell and the Do-Rites: The Last Dance.”
10) Barbara was honored with the Academy of Country Music’s highest award, The Pioneer Award, in 2000. In 2014, she was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame.
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