barbara mandrell

Carly Pearce was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving an invitation to become a Grand Ole Opry member — but Dolly Parton's surprise ask was merely the beginning of the excitement.

Just like big hair and Spandex, country music was alive and well in the '80s, celebrating true love, simple pleasures and American pride.

In some respects, the Country Music Association has always done better than a lot of organizations within the "Nashville machine" at incorporating women into its mission.

Born on Dec. 15, 1948 in Houston, Texas, Mandrell was raised around country music.