Wynette, Tammy (1942-1998), was one of the most popular singers in the history of country music. Wynette recorded 20 number-one rated country songs and sold more than 30 million records. She also became famous for her stormy personal life. Wynette was married five times, including a troubled marriage to country singing star George Jones. She suffered from ill health, undergoing about 20 operations, and also battled an addiction to painkillers.
From 1967 to 1979, Wynette recorded 17 number-one songs. Her “Stand By Your Man” (1968) ranks as the best-selling single by a female singer in country music history. Her other hits included “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” (1968), “Woman to Woman” (1974), “Til I Can Make It on My Own” (1975), and “Dear Daughters” (1977).
Wynette married Jones in 1969, and the couple recorded several hit duets, including “Take Me” (1971), “Golden Ring” (1976), and “Near You” (1976). Their turbulent personal relationship led to their divorce in 1975, but they continued to perform together, including making the album One (1996). Wynette also recorded hit singles, notably “Justified and Ancient” (1992). She wrote an autobiography, Stand By Your Man (1979). Wynette was born on May 5, 1942, in Itawamba County, Mississippi. Her given and family name was Virginia Wynette Pugh. Wynette died on April 6, 1998. She was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998.
