Roni Stoneman, Banjo Legend and 'Hee Haw' Star, Passes Away at 85

Roni Stoneman, celebrated as the 'First Lady of the Banjo,' left a lasting legacy in country music and comedy.

Roni Stoneman, known for her exceptional banjo skills and role on 'Hee Haw,' died at the age of 85.
She was a pivotal figure in country music, hailing from a foundational family in the genre and earning the title 'First Lady of the Banjo'.
Stoneman's career spanned decades, from her early days in the Stoneman Family band to her memorable performances on 'Hee Haw' as Ida Lee Nagger, the 'Ironing Board Lady'.
Her life story, filled with personal and professional triumphs, was detailed in her autobiography 'Pressing On: The Roni Stoneman Story'.
Despite facing challenges, including arthritis in her later years, Stoneman continued to perform, innovating with methods like gluing picks to her fingers to play the banjo.