IRBY MANDRELL, FATHER AND LONGTIME MANAGER OF BARBARA MANDRELL, PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 84

March 5, 2009

Irby Matthew Mandrell (84) passed away today in a Nashville hospital after a brief stay. His family is grateful for and humbled by the outpouring of concern.

Irby lived a long, productive and happy life. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Irby will be dearly missed by all.

Irby played a key role in Barbara Mandrell's life and career as her manager for more than 30 years. "It's been all about daddy and me," Mandrell recently stated at a press conference announcing her as one of the newest members to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Mandrell continued, "This is me being honored and this is Irby Mandrell being honored, because he earned it... It's immeasurable the amount of joy I feel and I am even more grateful to be able to share this honor with my daddy, Irby Mandrell."

QUOTE FROM BARBARA MANDRELL REGARDING HER FATHER IRBY:
"Our family and some friends were standing around my daddy's bed at Baptist Hospital when he passed peacefully on to his heavenly home. I'm speaking for all of my family, especially my sisters Louise and Irlene, when I say he was our hero and we will miss him always."--Barbara Mandrell.

Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee
3/7--Saturday visitation: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
3/8--Sunday visitation: 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

More information will be passed along as it is received.

The Mandrell Family:
Irlene, Irby, Louise, Mary, Barbara

Barbara and Irby (right)