Jimmy Dean dies at 81

The legendary singer was living with his wife at their home in Henrico County, Virginia; he passed away unexpectedly.

The singer’s wife, Donna Meade Dean, was shocked to learn about her husband’s death as he did not have any major health issues. He did suffer some health problems but nothing indicated he was so close to death.

Donna told The Associated Press that she left the room when Jimmy was just eating something and watching television; on returning she found him unresponsive.

Dean’s career in entertainment industry
Born in Plainview, Texas, in 1928, Jimmy Dean served in the U.S. Air Force for sometime before becoming a famous entertainer.

He first came into the limelight for his country crossover hit ‘Big Bad John’ in 1961, which won him a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording. Subsequently, he was credited with several other big hits.

Simultaneously he also took to the television, occasionally hosting ‘The Tonight Show’ and later his own series, titled ‘The Jimmy Dean Show’. He also worked in some movies, including the James Bond film, 'Diamonds are Forever.'

Jimmy Dean’s Sausage business
In 1969, Dean embarked on a sausage business. Along with his brother Don, he founded the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company, which did successful business for about 15 years, before being sold to Consolidated Foods, later renamed the Sara Lee Corporation.

He remained involved in the business for many years after that but in the Chicago-based company gradually started ousting him. They complained of Dean’s wrath, but he claimed that he was being dumped because of his old age.

Dean said he found peace at his estate and had even chosen his burial spot near the river.

"The company told me that they were trying to attract the younger housewife, and they didn't think I was the one to do that," Dean told The Associated Press in January 2004. "I think it's the dumbest thing. But you know, what do I know?"

Dean, who had previously appeared in the successful commercials of the brand, got back to advertise for them in 2008.

A few years back, Dean had released his biography titled ‘30 Years of Sausage, 50 Years of Ham,’ which carried a candid account of his life.

Dean wanted to be buried on his own property
He was living in semi-retirement with his second wife, Donna Meade Dean, who is also a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. They had been married for almost two decades and lived on their 200-acre estate just outside Richmond.

The country music star loved the country life; according to his wife, he enjoyed boating and watching the sunset over the James River. Dean said he found peace at his estate and had even chosen his burial spot near the river. “It sure is peaceful here,” he said.

Besides his wife Donna, Dean is survived by three children, Garry, Connie and Robert from his first marriage to Mary Sue Dean, and two granddaughters.