[Updated] Lifenotes: Bobette Dudley Passes

Bobette Dudley

[Updated, March 12, 10:15 a.m.]

A celebration of life will be held in Nashville at a later date.

[Updated, March 10, 4:45 p.m.]

All services will be at McDonald Funeral Home in Lobelville, Tenn. Visitation will be Thursday, March 13, 4-8 p.m., and the funeral will be Friday, March 14 at 1 p.m.

[Previous story, March 10, 9:30 a.m.]

Longtime CMA executive Bobette Dudley has died. She passed away Sunday, March 9 following injuries sustained in a car accident on Friday night, March 7.

Dudley was a much loved member of the Music Row community. During her 25 years with the Country Music Association, she climbed the ranks to Sr. Vice President, heading the organization’s acclaimed Events and Special Projects Department, before resigning in December 2011.

She contributed to the CMA’s growth and success including the relocation of Fan Fair, now CMA Music Festival, from the Tennessee State Fairgrounds to downtown Nashville.

When the CMA Awards made a one-year move to New York City’s Madison Square Garden, and then back to its new home at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Dudley was one of the key team members behind the move. This earned her a spot on the Top 15 Event Planners of the Year list from BizBash, a magazine covering the event-planning industry.

Dudley also played a major role in the launch of the CMA Country Christmas and CMA Music Festival television specials.

Among her other career highlights was creating CMA events in Washington D.C. at the Vice President’s Residence and at The Library of Congress.

Dudley began her career at CMA in 1986. She was a member of The Recording Academy, Nashville Film Festival, and SOURCE Foundation.

Industry member and longtime friend, Fletcher Foster shares, “My heart is filled with sadness for my dear friend Bobette. She was the epitome of a true friend. I vividly remember her first day at the CMA. It was the week leading into Fan Fair (Music Fest) and she had been hired to work the front desk. She was being bombarded by fans asking her for the impossible, however somehow through it all she remained calm and kept her composure. Although we were already friends, I had never seen her in a professional role [before]. That day really opened my eyes and made me realize that she was not only a friend, but an incredibly professional and gifted leader. Bobette’s true spirit was dedicated to the people and places she loved. I will miss her dearly.”

MusicRow extends sincere condolences to her loved ones. Arrangements have not been finalized.

Dudley loved her hometown of Lobelville, Tenn., where she had a beautiful home. Flowers can be sent to McDonald Funeral Home in Lobelville (931-589-2141), or donations can be made to:

Bobette Dudley Memorial Fund
for the beautification of Lobelville
c/o Bank of Perry County
PO Box 457
Lobelville, TN 37097