Country Singer Ray Stevens’ Wife, Penny Jackson Ragsdale, Has Died At 78

The wife of Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Stevens – Penny Jackson Ragsdale – has died on New Year’s Eve, no later than midnight, at the couple’s home in Nashville.

In an earlier Facebook post, two days before Ragsdale’s death, the 82-year-old singer reached out to fans with the sad news about his wife’s deteriorating condition following a lengthy battle with cancer.

It has revealed that Penny “has had a prolonged illness and has suddenly and rapidly progressed to the end-of-life stage.” The heartbreaking post came with a throwback monochrome photo showing Stevens and his adorable wife.

Due to Ragsdale’s rapid decline, Stevens was also forced to cancel his New Year’s Eve concert in a theater center, CabaRay, in order to be by his wife’s side.

A Love Story Like No Other  

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Twelve-time nominated and two-time Grammy Award winner Ray Stevens, known for hit songs “Everything Is Beautiful,” “The Streak,” “Misty,” among others, was married to Penny Jackson Ragsdale for over 60 years.

Though the couple preferred to keep their private lives out of the spotlight, their relationship has been an inspiration to many. They’ve shown support for one another from time to time, like Ragsdale being present when Stevens was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019. 

Fans have also witnessed the country crooner’s tremendous support for Ragsdale following her end-of-life stage illness.

The family will soon announce Ragsdale’s funeral arrangements. She’s survived by Stevens and their two daughters — Timi and Suzi — along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.