From the desk of Tracy Pitcox: Grand Ole Opry Legend Wilma Lee Cooper passed away on Tuesday of natural causes at the age of 90. She was at her home in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

With her late husband, Stoney, Wilma Lee created some wonderful music including classics like “Big Midnight Special” “Legend of The Dogwood Tree” “There’s A Big Wheel” “Sunny Side of The Mountain” and “Walking My Lord Up Calvary’s Hill.” Wilma Lee had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1957.

Her music has been preserved in the Smithsonian Institution.

After her stroke in 2001, Justin Trevino and I visited the wheel chair bound legend. I will never forget her talking about her career and beloved Grand Ole Opry. I believe that she realized that her performing ability would never be at the level that it once had, but she still had the desire and deep appreciation for the music that she helped to create. When she finished talking, all three of us had tears in our eyes.

We have lost another legend. There are truly not many left.

Our sincere condolences to her beautiful daughter Carol Lee.

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