Iconic star of “Hee Haw” television series and Grand Old Opry legend has first-ever wax figure at the soon to launch Nashville attraction

Madame Tussauds, the world-renowned wax attraction slated to open its newest location at Opry Mills this spring, unveiled a lively Minnie Pearl wax figure during yesterday’s 63rd Annual Nashville Christmas Parade. Family members of the late “Hee Haw” star joined in the celebration atop of one of the brand new Gray Line Music City open-air buses. The Minnie Pearl figure will be featured in the Nashville Madame Tussauds attraction when it opens this spring.

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Minnie Pearl's wax figure is joined by her great niece Barbara Sanders, great-great niece Sarah Steinlein and great great great niece Sarah Grace Steinlein. (Photo: Business Wire)

Minnie, whose given name was Sarah Cannon, was a country comedian and a fixture at the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years. Her dynamic figure captures her effervescent personality starting with her wide smile and iconic $1.98 price tag hanging from her floral hat, right down to her signature black Mary Jane shoes adorned with “Minnie” and “Pearl” written down the side. Her outfit is custom-made and inspired by her dress on display at the Grand Ole Opry Museum.

"We are so thrilled to have been a part of the creation of the Minnie Pearl Madame Tussauds figure," said Barbara Sanders, Minnie Pearl's great niece. “Minnie was an incredible woman who loved Nashville. Our family knows how much she would have loved this special honor."

Some fun facts about the figure:

  • Madame Tussauds consulted with the late singer’s family to select the figure’s expression to make sure it truly captures her likeness
  • Production of the figure took more than five months to complete
  • The Madame Tussauds artists visited the Opry Museum to measure the dress and hat to ensure they are an exact replica
  • Each individual hair is placed onto the figure to ensure life-like quality
  • There are 20 artists and sculptors with different specialties that work on each figure

Each Madame Tussauds figure is truly a work of art, involving teams of professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive research and take more than 300 measurements to recreate world-famous icons, to achieve the kind of astonishing realism that has been at the heart of the 250-year Madame Tussauds legacy.

With a completely different concept, the attraction in Nashville will be the company’s first offering in the US that focuses solely on music icons that have shaped America’s musical landscape. Guests are encouraged to have fun with the famous stars from musical genres such as Country, Rock n Roll, Jazz, Blues and Pop.

Additional figures hitting the stage at Madame Tussauds Nashville include Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Johnny Cash. More artists will be added to the bill within the coming weeks.

Guests can now save $5 off regular price tickets and be one of the first to experience the attraction. The tickets can be redeemed anytime following the grand opening until the end of 2017. These limited-time-only early bird tickets are $19 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-12. Prices will return to regular attraction price following the grand opening. Ages two and under are free.

To stay up to date on progress and new figure reveals, visit the attraction’s website and join the newsletter at https://www.madametussauds.com/nashville.

Additionally, stay connected on social media for real-time updates:

  • Facebook: /madametussaudsnashville
  • Instagram: @tussaudsnashville
  • Twitter: @tussaudsnash
  • Hashtag: #MadameTussaudsNashville

About Madame Tussauds Nashville

Madame Tussauds Nashville attraction is a new interactive wax experience where guests have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's biggest musical icons. Built to honor Music City and its deep roots into America’s history, Madame Tussauds will host visitors from across the globe as they enjoy a historical walk through America’s musical past and present with vivid scenes supporting the colorful cast of figures. Conveniently located within Opry Mills Mall, the star-studded attraction is set to open in the spring of 2017.

Visit www.madametussauds.com/nashville or the attraction’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/mademetussaudsnashville for more information.

About Merlin Entertainments plc

Merlin Entertainments plc is a global leader in location based, family entertainment. As Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 100 attractions, 13 hotels and 5 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable experiences to its more than 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its c.27,000 employees (peak season).

Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

Media:Reed Public RelationsTori Ross, 978-273-0207tori@reedpublicrelations.com