Barbara Mandrell

From 1980-1982, Barbara headlined the critically acclaimed Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters variety show along with sisters Louise and Irlene. The show garnered good ratings, two Golden Globe nominations and eight Emmy nominations including one win. Despite its success, Barbara had to cancel the show after a two year run due to personal exhaustion.

In 2002, Barbara and her husband, Ken Dudney, had an estate sale. "The Fontanel", a 27,000 square foot log home located on a secluded 137 acres near downtown Nashville, sold for $2.1 million. After her two eldest children left home, Barbara was ready to downsize to a 7,000-square-foot home located outside Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1984, Barbara and two of her children were involved in a horrific accident in which the driver of the other car was killed. Though her children were unhurt, Barbara suffered extensive injuries. She had a severe head injury (which required several days in intensive care), a broken right leg, a broken right ankle, a damaged right knee and numerous cuts and bruises. Her rehabilitation lasted nearly 18 months.