I've seen so many people in this business that made a fortune. They get old and broke and can't make any money. I tell you something... no one's going to play a benefit for Jimmy Dean.

On April 20 2009 the main house was largely gutted by a fire although the Deans escaped injury. Kennedy's bravery in World War II. He had minor pop hits such as "Little Sandy Sleighfoot" (a Christmas novelty song) and "Sing Along" later used as the theme for TV's "Sing Along With Mitch".

He lived near Richmond Virginia and was nominated for the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010 although he was formally inducted posthumously. His acting career included a supporting role as Willard Whyte in the 1971 James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever. Jimmy Ray Dean (August 10 1928 – June 13 2010) was an American country music singer television host actor and businessman.