by Angie Pollock

Created on: April 11, 2010   Last Updated: April 12, 2010

The wonderfully charming Dixie Carter died April 10, 2010 at the age of 70.  The New York Times has reported that Carter's husband has stated that the cause of death was from "complications of endometrial cancer". Her husband Hal Holbrook  remarked “This has been a terrible blow to our family” and he has asked for privacy during this difficult time.

Dixie Virginia Carter was born in McLemoresville, Tennessee on May 25, 1939.  Not only was she an actor but she was also a producer, writer, and talented singer.  When she was young, her studies included both classical voice and musical comedies.  After graduating as Valedictorian of her high school class, she attended the University of Tennessee where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

In 1967 she married Arthur Carter.  They had two daughters, Mary and Ginna.  Dixie Carter would leave the business for almost a decade to raise her girls.  Following her divorce in 1977, she married George Hearn who she would also divorce in 1979.  Her last marriage was in 1984 to Hal Holbrook who was her husband at the time of her death.

Dixie Carter poured out her southern charm on the hit sitcom “Designing Women”.  Her character Julia Sugarbaker was the “mother” figure of the show but her grace and style prevailed which was also a part of her off-screen character as well.  Some may remember her as Dorian Cramer on the soap opera “One Life to Live” where she was a stand-in for a short time.

After “Designing Women”, Dixie Carter took the part of lawyer Randi King in the show “Family Law”.  Other television appearances include “On Our Own”, “Out of the Blue”, “Filthy Rich”, and “Diff’rent Strokes”.  She has had numerous appearances on Broadway.  Following her “Designing Women” days, Dixie Carter released two workout videos and a book in 1996 titled “Trying to Get to Heaven”.

Most recently, Dixie Carter became Gloria Hodge on the hit show “Desperate Housewives” in 2006 and 2007.  She earned an Emmy nomination for her role.  Marc Cherry, the show’s creator, had worked previously with Carter on the set of Designing Women.  In 2008, Dixie Carter paired up with her husband Hal Holbrook for the movie “That Evening Sun”. 

Dixie Carter was outspoken on topics of children, family, and religion.  Her views put her at odds with those with liberal ideas but her non-disrespect of others always put her above the others.  Dixie Carter was a remarkable actress, entertainer, and most of all – a beautiful soul that will be missed by everyone.

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