Minnie Pearl Biography Wins Tennessee History Book Award

Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story honored at special event showcasing the book

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The recently published biography "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story" has been awarded the Tennessee History Book Award for 2025. The announcement was made at a special event called "Minnie at the Mansion" held at the Two Rivers Mansion in Donelson, Tennessee on February 22, 2026. The event featured a performance by actress Jenny Littleton portraying Minnie Pearl, as well as discussions with the book's co-authors Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel and Dr. Don Cusic, professors at Belmont University.

Why it matters

Minnie Pearl, born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, was a trailblazing comedic legend who transformed country music and comedy. The award for her biography highlights her lasting impact and legacy in Tennessee and beyond. The event also showcased the ongoing interest and appreciation for Minnie Pearl's life and work.

The details

The Tennessee History Book Award, presented jointly by the Tennessee Historical Commission and the Tennessee Historical Society, has recognized exceptional nonfiction works on Tennessee history for over 27 years. The judging panel praised "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story" as the definitive biography of the Tennessee icon, noting its engaging prose and beautiful images.

  • The special "Minnie at the Mansion" event was held on February 22, 2026.
  • "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story" was awarded the Tennessee History Book Award for 2025.

The players

Mary Ellen Pethel

Co-author of "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story" and professor at Belmont University.

Don Cusic

Co-author of "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story" and professor at Belmont University.

Jenny Littleton

Actress who portrayed Minnie Pearl at the "Minnie at the Mansion" event.

Jeff Syracuse

President of the Friends of Two Rivers and emcee for the "Minnie at the Mansion" event.

Anna Durham Windrow

President of the Tennessee Historical Society.

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What they’re saying

“I'm deeply grateful to the award committee, the Tennessee Historical Commission, and the Tennessee Historical Society for this recognition. Collaborating with music historian Don Cusic was truly an honor. Most of all, it's a privilege to help tell the story of Minnie Pearl — born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon. She was a trailblazer who transformed comedy and country music, championed cancer research, and made Nashville a better place.”

— Mary Ellen Pethel, Co-author of "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story"

“It's always an honor to get an award — but getting an award for a book on Minnie Pearl is an even greater honor. The work itself is the great reward — historians write about history because it's what they do — it's a calling really — but if you can receive an award for doing what you love, well, that's the icing on the cake.”

— Don Cusic, Co-author of "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story"

“The Historical Society is so pleased to add this fascinating book to our distinguished list of Tennessee History Book Award winners.”

— Anna Durham Windrow, President of the Tennessee Historical Society

What’s next

The authors, Mary Ellen Pethel and Don Cusic, plan to continue promoting the book and sharing Minnie Pearl's story with audiences across Tennessee and beyond.

The takeaway

The award for "Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story" highlights the enduring legacy and impact of Minnie Pearl, a trailblazing Tennessee icon who left an indelible mark on comedy, country music, and her local community. The book's recognition underscores the continued fascination with and appreciation for Minnie Pearl's life and work.