I am really saddened by the passing of Mrs. Estelle Benson, who with her husband Earl owned The Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, Fl. Many people had different opinions of her, but to me she was a dear friend and I will miss her smile and presence at the Opry greatly. She will be missed by many, many people at the Opry, and in that community. It will be very interesting to see what happens to the Opry without her. She was the driving force behind it and I don't know if Earl will want to keep it going without her. There will be a memorial service there tomorrow night (Tuesday Jan. 28th) at 7 PM. I will have the honor of singing one of her favorite songs during the service that I sang many times at her request along with Opry key board player Dave Howell. She would have had us sing it every week if the band could have stood the repetition. I always dedicated it to her when I did it there over the years, and I will do the same tomorrow. Rest In Peace Estelle. You will be dearly missed.
UPDATE: The service for Estelle last night was very moving and also an excellent inspired musical tribute to celebrate her life. Suzanne Morgan announced at the end of the evening that the Opry has been sold to funeral home owner Roger Beyers. He said a few words to let everyone know that the Opry would go on as it did under Estelle's guidance, and if anything, there would only be improvements made to the venue. So, the show will go on.