Link (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ijoPRR4kAxfAAWVU6_RJ-lm3M5CAD9F0LJEG0)

LOS ANGELES — Dixie Carter, the "Designing Women" star who used her Southern charm, quick wit and stately beauty in a host of roles on Broadway and television, died Saturday. She was 70.

Publicist Steve Rohr, who represents Carter and her husband, actor Hal Holbrook, said Carter died Saturday morning. He would not disclose where she died or the cause of death. Carter and Holbrook lived in the Los Angeles area.

"This has been a terrible blow to our family," Holbrook said in a written statement. "We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy."

A native of Tennessee, Carter was most famous for playing wisecracking Southerner Julia Sugarbaker for seven years on "Designing Women," the CBS sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1993. The series was the peak of a career in which she often played wealthy and self-important but independent Southern women.

She was nominated for an Emmy in 2007 for her seven-episode guest stint on the ABC hit "Desperate Housewives."

Carter's other credits include roles on the series "Family Law" and "Different Strokes."

She married Holbrook in 1984. The two had met four years earlier while making the TV movie "The Killing of Randy Webster," and although attracted to one another, each had suffered two failed marriages and were wary at first.

They finally wed two years before Carter landed her role on "Designing Women." Holbrook appeared on the show regularly in the late 1980s as her boyfriend, Reese Watson.

The two appeared together in her final project, the 2009 independent film "That Evening Sun," shot in Tennessee and based on a short story by Southern novelist William Gay.

The middle of three children, Carter was born in 1939 in McLemoresville, Tenn.

Carter was the daughter of a grocery and department store owner who died just three years ago at 96. She said at the time of his death that he taught her to believe in people's essential goodness.

"When I asked him how he handled shoplifting in his new store, which had a lot of goods on display, making it impossible to keep an eye on everything, he said, 'Most people are honest, and if they weren't, you couldn't stay in business because a thief will find a way to steal,'" Carter said. "'You can't really protect yourself, but papa and I built our business believing most people are honest and want to do right by you.'"

Carter grew up in Carroll County and made her stage debut in a 1960 production of "Carousel" in Memphis. It was the beginning of a decades-long stage career in which she relied on her singing voice as much as her acting.

She appeared in TV soap operas in the 1970s, but did not become a national star until her recurring roles on "Different Strokes" and another series, "Filthy Rich," in the 1980s.

Those two parts led to her role on "Designing Women," a comedy about the lives of four women at an interior design firm in Atlanta.

Carter and Delta Burke played the sparring sisters who ran the firm. The series also starred Annie Potts and Jean Smart.

The show, whose reruns have rarely left the airwaves, was not a typical sitcom. It tackled such topics as sexism, ageism, body image and AIDS.

"It was something so unique, because there had never been anything quite like it," Potts told The Associated Press at a 2006 cast reunion. "We had Lucy and Ethel, but we never had that exponentially expanded, smart, attractive women who read newspapers and had passions about things and loved each other and stood by each other."

Carter appeared on the drama "Family Law" from 1999 to 2002, and in her last major TV appearance she played Gloria Hodge, the surly mother-in-law to Marcia Cross's Bree on "Desperate Housewives."

Carter said the role was far from the kindly woman she played on "Designing Women."

"It's a vast difference," Carter said while filming the series. "Gloria Hodge doesn't have any redeeming qualities except her intelligence."

In addition to Holbrook, Carter is survived by daughters Mary Dixie and Ginna.



http://www.broadwayworld.com/columnpic/ndDixieCarter.JPG

Oh my God...this one is a shocker. So horribly sad.

:rip:

OMG. I'm just in shock. This is so unexpected. My prayers go out to Hal Holbrook and his family. :(

:rip: Dixie Carter

:rip:

So sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed her performances. :rip:

So sorry to hear this. I just got got Season 2 of "Designing Women" this week and I've been watching episodes both last night and today. Was very surprised to hear this.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...............was not expecting this at all.......... :(

Tottaly wasn't expecting this. I haven't gotten DW S3 yet, but now I sort of think I should. I forgot until I read this article about Hal. :( This is definitely a shame.

- Kristen

I was shocked when I read this as well, it's so sad. May she rest in peace.

:eek2: Oh my goodness - I did not see this coming at all!!! :rip: Dixie and may God be with Hal and her children at this hard time. How sad!!

The title of her autobiography is rather chilling now.

^ When did that book come out?

^ When did that book come out?

I don't own it, but it appears the 1st edition was released in 1996.

I don't own it, but it appears the 1st edition was released in 1996.
Ah, I see. I'll have to check it out one of these days. Thanks for the info. Did you get her autograph?

Ah, I see. I'll have to check it out one of these days. Thanks for the info. Did you get her autograph?

No problem. Yep, I wrote to her during my first year of collecting.

^ Awesome! At least you still have that keepsake. Do you have any others from the DW cast?

I also got Annie Potts and Alice Ghostley through the mail, but I had to purchase Delta Burke and Jean Smart. I've always wanted Meshach Taylor's autograph, but his isn't very easy to get.

I also got Annie Potts and Alice Ghostley through the mail, but I had to purchase Delta Burke and Jean Smart. I've always wanted Meshach Taylor's autograph, but his isn't very easy to get.
Ahhh, I see. How about the latter day cast - Julia Duffy, Jan Hooks and Judith Ivey?

No problem. Yep, I wrote to her during my first year of collecting.
That's a great keepsake Michael!

Ahhh, I see. How about the latter day cast - Julia Duffy, Jan Hooks and Judith Ivey?

I don't have any of them, but Julia Duffy is someone who's autograph I've wanted for quite a while.

I don't have any of them, but Julia Duffy is someone who's autograph I've wanted for quite a while.
Me, too. :cool:

Me, too. :cool:

Do you have any DW autographs?

Met her once, back in the days when she was doing the short-lived
NYC sitcom ON OUR OWN with Bess Armstrong.

It was just about a year ago we lost our lead Golden Girl, Bea Arthur. Now the leader of the Designing Women, Dixie Carter. A genuine "southern belle".

R.I.P. Ms. Carter!

Met her once, back in the days when she was doing the short-lived
NYC sitcom ON OUR OWN with Bess Armstrong.
I remember watching that show. It's so sad. Dixie Carter has been on my tv since I was a kid. :(

I'm so very sad to hear of Dixie's unexpected passing. I always loved her portrayal of opinionated and intelligent Julia Sugarbaker on Designing Women. She was a wonderful actress and also a very talented singer. I remember some time ago when Dixie was asked to sing My Old Kentucky Home at the Kentucky Derby one year... it brought tears to the eyes of the audience. She will definitely be missed... :(

OMG so utterly shocking and unexpected. My prayers go out to Hal and their family and friends

:rip: Dixie :(

I am so very devastated about this, I loved Dixie and am planning to get DW on DVD cause I want to see it. My thoughts and prays go out to Hal and her family. This is really an unexpected tragedy and I will miss her.

RIP Dixie Carter:(

Holy Moly!!! I certainly didn't see this coming! :rip:

I can't say that I watched Designing Women with any regularity, because I didn't, but Dixie Carter was the type of actress who always gave a good performance, no matter what she was in.

I mean, this is someone who appeared on Diff'rent Strokes and still managed to walk away from it unscathed.

I did see her during her short time on Desperate Housewives and she played an evil character with such deliciousness, I hated the character. That's a sign of a good actress -- when you get so into the character that you inspire such a reaction.

Today's actresses could take a cue from Miss Carter -- it's not about being pretty or cool. It's about being the character.

Do you have any DW autographs?
No, unfortunately not.

Here are some pics of Dixie on one of her first big roles, ADA Brandy Henderson, on the now-defunct soap opera The Edge of Night. She was on the show from 1974-76.

After the devastating plane crash involving the Polish President and several other top-ranking Polish officials, I have fond somebody else to mourn: Dixie Carter. Out of the blue, she passd away unexpectedly. :rip:

2010-1939=71, not 70.

2010-1939=71, not 70.

Her birthday is May 25. She was 70.

^^I do not want to be corrected on this issue. A 70 year old person would live from 1940-2010. If a person dies before his next birthday within a calendar year, it would be terrible and would be considered over the line. I mean, it just hurts. I wouldn't want to end up doing so myself because my own age would be considered incorrect. I have a right to express my opinion and be conscious about this and have been so sine Michael Jackson's death last year

I have a right to express my opinion and be conscious about this.

And I have a right to disagree with it. She wouldn't have turned 71 until next month, so I personally don't see how it makes any sense to say that was her age.

^^I do not want to be corrected on this issue. A 70 year old person would live from 1940-2010. If a person dies before his next birthday within a calendar year, it would be terrible and would be considered over the line. I mean, it just hurts. I wouldn't want to end up doing so myself because my own age would be considered incorrect. I have a right to express my opinion and be conscious about this and have been so sine Michael Jackson's death last year

Honestly what does it matter, this is nothing to bicker over. She hadn't reached her 71st birthday so that makes her 70.

Now let's get back to topic at hand

Has anyone seen any statements yet from any of her co-stars? I haven't seen any.

Me either. They're probably still in shock over the news of her passing :(

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6954363.html
The Houston Chronicle is reporting the cause of Dixie Carters death as endometrial cancer. (cancer of the uterus)

Has anyone seen any statements yet from any of her co-stars? I haven't seen any.
I imagine we'll hear more on such shows as Entertainment Tonight on Monday, and they'll probably have statements from some of her co-stars.

I imagine we'll hear more on such shows as Entertainment Tonight on Monday, and they'll probably have statements from some of her co-stars.
That's my feeling. I'm happy it seems that she mended fences with Delta Burke several years ago (they were on the outs for quite a few years, as I recall).

I did buy her book when it first came out, and I still have it somewhere. It's not a traditional memoir - it's the type in which she 'advises' the reader to have a better life (or, "Try to get to heaven") through her own life experiences in which she shares. It's a book I have picked up again and again over the years, and re-read different passages...and taken her 'words of wisdom'. (I believe the book has been long OOP).

She will be sadly missed. Shocking news, indeed!

That's my feeling. I'm happy it seems that she mended fences with Delta Burke several years ago (they were on the outs for quite a few years, as I recall).
Wow, I hadn't thought of that, that IS a good thought.

I've been thinking of her singing her solo with the church choir, in season 2 of DW, and bringing everybody to tears! What a Voice!!!!!

Dixie and Hal, through the years...they were still obviously so much in love, right to the end.

Actress Annie Potts refers to her "Designing Women" costar Dixie Carter as "a goddess," calling her death a "loss beyond measure."

Potts tells ET of her costar, "Dixie Carter was a goddess. Beautiful and brainy, smart and funny, prim and sexy, wickedly talented and divinely sweet. The kind of wife and mother that every mother hopes their daughter will become, and the kind of friend that is absolutely irreplaceable. She loved fiercely and was adored in return. To have known her a little was a delight to all. To have known her well, a treasure beyond reckoning. And now, a loss beyond measure."

Carter, best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker on the hit sitcom "Designing Women," passed way on Saturday, April 10. She was 70.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2010/04/85807/

^ What a sweet tribute!!! Annie is so eloquent. :cool: :D

Honestly what does it matter, this is nothing to bicker over. She hadn't reached her 71st birthday so that makes her 70.

Please...do not say that (she died at 70) anymore, I do not want to even hear it or see and further countering statements. I can have my feelings hurt and be weakened over anyone who dies before their birthday within a calendar year. Instead of making further counterstatements about this, think of a statement that will make me feel better, or perhaps another picture.

This is a huge loss for everyone and everything concerned.

DC's body of work will be her everlasting legacy for her family and fans.

There will never be another woman like her.

Did she and Delta Burke ever end on good terms?

I know that they did the "DW" reunion, but that really doesn't mean anything.

I hope they did in the end.

Those were lovely photographs of Dixie and Hal, Monika... Dixie was such an incredibly regal beauty and her love for her husband was obvious in her eyes... :(

Please...do not say that (she died at 70) anymore, I do not want to even hear it or see and further countering statements. I can have my feelings hurt and be weakened over anyone who dies before their birthday within a calendar year. Instead of making further counterstatements about this, think of a statement that will make me feel better, or perhaps another picture.

You know what? WHO FREAKING CARES. My god a woman died and this is all you can talk about.

If you can't add anything to the discussion, why even post in the thread?

Please...do not say that (she died at 70) anymore, I do not want to even hear it or see and further countering statements. I can have my feelings hurt and be weakened over anyone who dies before their birthday within a calendar year. Instead of making further counterstatements about this, think of a statement that will make me feel better, or perhaps another picture.

Perhaps if you explained why your feelings would be hurt or why you would be weakened would help people understand your point. I do not know why this upsets you so much? :confused: When somebody dies their age is not expressed as years/months. Example: 70 years and 11 months. Instead it is simply 70 years.

I'm very sad to read of Dixie's passing. She was a superior actress and a wonderful lady.

Please...do not say that (she died at 70) anymore, I do not want to even hear it or see and further countering statements. I can have my feelings hurt and be weakened over anyone who dies before their birthday within a calendar year. Instead of making further counterstatements about this, think of a statement that will make me feel better, or perhaps another picture.

Do you have to keep going on and on about this? Regardless of whether Dixie passed away 1 day, 1 week or 1 month shy of her 71st birthday the fact remains that her age at the time of death was 70 and why you can't deal with it is beyond me. I'm not going to discuss it any longer because it's a waste of time. Condolence threads are created to share thoughts and memories not to nitpick over someone's age.

http://trinitypastor.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/broken_record.jpg

Those were lovely photographs of Dixie and Hal, Monika... Dixie was such an incredibly regal beauty and her love for her husband was obvious in her eyes... :(
My pleasure. They were indeed a wonderful couple. Since you are a soap fan, did you enjoy the EON pics?

When somebody dies their age is not expressed as years/months. Example: 70 years and 11 months. Instead it is simply 70 years.
...unless you are 6-and-a-half. THEN it is VERY important.

...unless you are 6-and-a-half. THEN it is VERY important.
Heck, I refer to myself as 30 1/2. :lol:

R.I.P. Dixie Carter :( :rip:

Do you have to keep going on and on about this? Regardless of whether Dixie passed away 1day, 1 week or 1 month shy of her 71st birthday the fact remains that her age at the time of death was 70 and why you can't deal with it is beyond me. I'm not going to discuss it any longer because it's a waste of time. Condolence threads are created to share thoughts and memories not to nitpick over someone's age.

http://trinitypastor.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/broken_record.jpg

You're not helping, Charles. Another picture of Dixie Carter herself and absolutely nothing else should make me feel better right now (and not like an angry mastodon). I did say I do not want to hear any more counterstatements whatsoever. I'm not a little kid anymore, i am a senior citizen. If you want me to accept death before birthday within a calendar year, and I have to pass away before my birthday within a calendar year myself, then fine (It's April right now and I was born in August anyway).

Because of all the counterstatements that will keep floating around my mind right now, I may never be able to watch Designing Women again indefinitely.

You're not helping, Charles. Another picture of Dixie Carter herself and absolutely nothing else should make me feel better right now (and not like an angry mastodon). I did say I do not want to hear any more counterstatements whatsoever. I'm not a little kid anymore, i am a senior citizen. If you want me to accept death before birthday within a calendar year, and I have to pass away before my birthday within a calendar year myself, then fine (It's April right now and I was born in August anyway).

Because of all the counterstatements that will keep floating around my mind right now, I may never be able to watch Designing Women again indefinitely.

Whatever age you actually are, the bottom line is you are being
completely immature about this. Please stop this.

^^if you want me to stop rejecting death before birthday before a calendar year, then I should not be slammed by other users, I also have a fear of being flamed/yelled at by others. As an elderly person, i should be respected, not being flamed at, and not being called named names such as "immature" (especially in a condescending way), and doing things such as being forced to panic and start a dispute and/or being scared away from/quitting this forum altogether and never wanting to bring closure to a dispute which scared me away in the first place. ANY elderly person can throw fits and be defensive about certain things. None of you are elderly people, though you have made far more posts than me on this forum.

Because of this recent dispute and my fear of death before birthday within a calendar year, I do not like Dixie Carter anymore, and I am considering my Designing Women DVD sets back to the store and get a refund. My feelings are hurt and I am enraged because of the posts you all just made in this thread. Instead of criticising my fears, show some sympathy and respect and nothing but that. if I am criticised, then I may not want to post in this entire forum again. Right now, I feel like eating burgers nonstop until I stroke out.

Sorry for the dispute, I was not trying to break any rules here, it wasn't intentional. All members, including myself and yourselves, try to be more civil in this forum instead of enraging other members.

Back on topic (can't believe I have to post the damn picture myself, though):
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/653/DS256507.jpg
:rip:
*eats burger*

^^if you want me to stop rejecting death before birthday before a calendar year, then I should not be slammed by other users, I also have a fear of being flamed/yelled at by others.

No one here has yelled at or flamed you, We have simply disagreed with your opinion and have a right to do so. You're the one that's been going on and on about this and not just in this thread and it's getting ridiculous. This is a condolence thread and should be treated as such.



As an elderly person, i should be respected.

I hate to say it but then you should act your age. In all my years of posting on message boards I have never seen anyone gripe over such a ridiculous issue. If it were something that could be changed then you might have a legitimate complaint but it can't and you don't.


Any elderly person can throw fits and be defensive about certain things.

You don't have to be elderly to do that. Also, My Grandfather did it but he had a valid excuse, Alzheimer's disease.




Because of this recent dispute and my fear of death before birthday within a calendar year, I do not like Dixie Carter anymore.

My best guess is that Dixie is laughing it up in heaven and isn't the least bit concerned about whether you like her or not.




My feelings are hurt and I am enraged because of the posts you all just made in this thread.

We're not exactly thrilled over your posts.



Back on topic (can't believe I have to post the damn picture myself, though):
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/653/DS256507.jpg
:rip:
*eats burger*

A moment ago you said you didn't like Dixie anymore so why post a photo?

Oh, Before I forget, Enjoy the burger.

Weird!!!!!

^^if you want me to stop rejecting death before birthday before a calendar year, then I should not be slammed by other users, I also have a fear of being flamed/yelled at by others. As an elderly person, i should be respected, not being flamed at, and not being called named names such as "immature" (especially in a condescending way), and doing things such as being forced to panic and start a dispute and/or being scared away from/quitting this forum altogether and never wanting to bring closure to a dispute which scared me away in the first place. ANY elderly person can throw fits and be defensive about certain things. None of you are elderly people, though you have made far more posts than me on this forum.

Because of this recent dispute and my fear of death before birthday within a calendar year, I do not like Dixie Carter anymore, and I am considering my Designing Women DVD sets back to the store and get a refund. My feelings are hurt and I am enraged because of the posts you all just made in this thread. Instead of criticising my fears, show some sympathy and respect and nothing but that. if I am criticised, then I may not want to post in this entire forum again. Right now, I feel like eating burgers nonstop until I stroke out.

Sorry for the dispute, I was not trying to break any rules here, it wasn't intentional. All members, including myself and yourselves, try to be more civil in this forum instead of enraging other members.

Back on topic (can't believe I have to post the damn picture myself, though):
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/653/DS256507.jpg
:rip:
*eats burger*
If you want to "reject death before birthday on a calender year" that is certainly up to you. Others can disagree with your thoughts. You seem to want to force others to adopt your thinking no matter what. Nobody is forcing you to think a certain way.

I would suggest finding something else to do, since you are enraged, panicked, scared, hurt and so on. If you want to post "fits" on message boards the "fits" will/may receive negative comments in return. (Whether you are elderly or not) I hope this helps.

If you want to "reject death before birthday on a calender year" that is certainly up to you. Others can disagree with your thoughts. You seem to want to force others to adopt your thinking no matter what. Nobody is forcing you to think a certain way.

I would suggest finding something else to do, since you are enraged, panicked, scared, hurt and so on. If you want to post "fits" on message boards the "fits" will/may receive negative comments in return. (Whether you are elderly or not) I hope this helps.

Well said, rcbrad.

WOW - there are some rather "interesting people" on this forum, I must say!

Rest in peace Dixie! Your beautiful smile will be missed.

Stars are mourning the death of Dixie Carter. Recent comments came from Carter’s co-stars Jean Smart and husband Richard Gilliland.

Smart was talking to the media about how she and her husband Richard Gilliland will miss Dixie Carter. She said that Dixie was a gorgeous and amazing who was incredibly talented and hilarious.

Smart also told how much Dixie was devoted to her family and said that she was personally crazy about her as there was no one like her. Jean Smart told that she and her husband Richard Gilliland will miss Carter and that their ‘hearts go out to her family’.

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland not only costarred with Dixie Carter but they were very close friends too. Jean Smart, Richard Gilliland, and Dixie Carter were each other’s cast mates in ‘Designing Women’.

Like Carter, Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland are also best known for their roles in ‘Designing Women’. For the couple, the series holds a special place in their hearts as Smart and Richard Gilliland met each other at the set of TV series.

They got married later. Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland have son Connor Douglas together. Recently, the couple has adopted another child. Bonnie Kathleen, a baby girl from China, joined the family of Smart and Gilliland in May 2009.

Smart recently appeared in ‘Samantha Who?’ while Richard Gilliland has made an appearance on ‘The Unit’ where he portrayed the character Ellis Kapp. Richard Gilliland is also active in theater.

I don't remember anyone saying she had been ill. Her death is such a big shock to me. I mean, Farrah Fawcett's death hit me but I think most people understood she didn't have much time. But I didn't even know Dixie had been sick. How incredibly sad. She seemed like a wonderful person. A person you wanted in your corner. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family.

I don't remember anyone saying she had been ill. Her death is such a big shock to me. I mean, Farrah Fawcett's death hit me but I think most people understood she didn't have much time. But I didn't even know Dixie had been sick. How incredibly sad. She seemed like a wonderful person. A person you wanted in your corner. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family.

Some people are very private about their personal lives. While I respect the stars who publicly share their battles with illnesses, etc, I equally respect the ones who keep their private lives private.

Some people are very private about their personal lives. While I respect the stars who publicly share their battles with illnesses, etc, I equally respect the ones who keep their private lives private.
:yeahthat

Some people are so classless. Not only are they already trying to profit by selling her autograph, they also felt the need to mention her death in the auction's title.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SIGNED-8x10-PHOTO-DIXIE-CARTER-JUST-DIED-4-10-2010_W0QQitemZ220587673268QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item335c0cc6b4

Some people are so classless. Not only are they already trying to profit by selling her autograph, they also felt the need to mention her death in the auction's title.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SIGNED-8x10-PHOTO-DIXIE-CARTER-JUST-DIED-4-10-2010_W0QQitemZ220587673268QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item335c0cc6b4
Sick, sick, sick. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Sick, sick, sick. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

This isn't the first time nor the last. Everytime a celebrity dies eBay is loaded down with sellers trying to make a quick buck. :rolleyes:

This isn't the first time nor the last. Everytime a celebrity dies eBay is loaded down with sellers trying to make a quick buck. :rolleyes:
I know - that's what makes it that much more sickening. :mad:

I know - that's what makes it that much more sickening. :mad:

The fact that they referenced her death in the auction title made it that much more repulsive to me. It was making it sound like it's such a hot item due to that fact. If people know who Dixie Carter is, then they most likely know by now that she has passed away. It didn't need to be stated in that way.

The fact that they referenced her death in the auction title made it that much more repulsive to me. It was making it sound like it's such a hot item due to that fact. If people know who Dixie Carter is, then they most likely know by now that she has passed away. It didn't need to be stated in that way.
BINGO!!!

I don't remember anyone saying she had been ill. Her death is such a big shock to me. I mean, Farrah Fawcett's death hit me but I think most people understood she didn't have much time. But I didn't even know Dixie had been sick. How incredibly sad. She seemed like a wonderful person. A person you wanted in your corner. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family.

According to two of her friends who attended her funeral (and spoke to the local press shortly after), they say Carter was first diagnosed with cervical cancer about two years ago. She seeked treatment for that, and everything seemed to be well until this past January - which is when it spread to her uterus. They said she suffered a stroke six weeks ago, which left her completely paralyzed and unable to speak. Her daughter Ginna also verified the stroke and paralysis in her eulogy that day (according to the reporters). My understanding from the article is that she was admitted to a Houston hospital when she suffered her stroke and that is where she had been until her death.

I've thought of that myself. Sad that she is gone :(. She was awesome on Diffrent Strokes and Designing Women.

I started watching Designing Women recently because of her. I had seen her in Diffrent Strokes and watched that growing up (enjoyed her character) but it wasn't until recently that I started watching DW. If it wasn't for Dixie I wouldn't have gotten into DW.

Thanks for posting those wonderful pictures. Dixie is beautiful and the love is evident between she and Hal.