Jimmy Dean

Jimmy Dean, country music legend to crush him on the workingman hero, "Big Bad John," and organizer of the brand known in the sausage, died on Sunday. He was 81.

Said his wife, Donna Meade Dean, her husband died in Henrico County with them, Virginia, home.

The Associated Press that he had some health problems but still works well, until his death came as a shock. She said he was eating in front of a television. And left the room for a period of time, then returned and said he did not respond. She said he was pronounced dead at 07:54

"It was amazing," she said. "He had a lot of talent."

Dean was born in raised in 1928, in the case of poverty in Plainview, Texas, and dropped out of high school after ninth grade. He went on to a successful entertainment career in the 1950s and '60s, including broadcast television, "Jimmy Dean Show."

In 1969, he went Dean sausage in the business, from the Jimmy Dean Meat Company in his hometown. Announced the sale of the company to Sara Lee in 1984.

Dean lived in retirement before the final with his wife, poet, composer and recording artist in the 200-acre estate outside Richmond, where he was enjoying the investment, and boats and watch the sunset over the James River.

In 2009 fire gutted their home, but saved him from the Grammy "in favor of John Page," dolls made by the creator Jim Henson, a clock that had belonged to Prince Charles and Princess Diana and other valuables. A group of books and signed celebrity, religion, with posters of Elvis Presley and other valuables.

Said Donna Dean, Mead couple just moved to rebuild their homeland.

Wisecracks loudmouthed with his memory and fast, and the magic of Dean of the many fans. But in both entertainment and business circles, and known to be difficult to hide him. Launched bandmate Roy Clark, who went on "Hee Haw" fame, to appear in late vehicles.