Jeanne Robertson dead at 77: North Carolina humorist will be 'telling stories in heaven'

Robertson who has authored four books, was also titled Miss North Carolina in 1963 when she was Jeanne Swanner

UPDATED AUG 22, 2021

North Carolina humorist, motivational speaker and former Miss North Carolina, Jeanne Robertson died on Saturday, August 21 morning, according to her professional Facebook page. She was 77.

"The Nashville People here. It is with a heavy heart that we want you to know that Jeanne has passed. She has had some health challenges lately, but this was unexpected. A celebration of life details and an obituary will be posted here at a later date. Please keep Jeanne’s son Beaver, grandchildren Ryder and Gray, as well as Toni, her long-time National Coordinator, and Patrick, her Back Porch producer, in your thoughts and prayers. We are sure - Jeanne is now telling stories in the heaven, all the angels are laughing, and Left Brain is in the back with a big smile," read the latest post on Robertson's Facebook page.

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Robertson was titled Miss North Carolina in 1963 when she was Jeanne Swanner. She has authored four books, titled 'Don’t Bungee Jump Naked and other Important Stuff', and was the president of the National Speakers Association. The North Carolina Press Association titled Robertson its 2001 North Carolinian of the Year. Robertson’s husband, Jerry Ray Robertson, died two months ago. He was captain of the Duke University men’s basketball team during the late 1950s, the television station reported. On April 29, 2008, she delivered a speech at the White House for National Volunteer Week to honor the 1,300 volunteers who donate time to work at the White House.

On August 18, 2021, Robertson's Facebook page posted an update that read, "It’s “Thuh Nashville People” here. Jeanne has been challenged with a severe illness, not Covid related, and will be unable to perform in Myrtle Beach this Friday. The show has been rescheduled for August 26, 2022. All ticket buyers should be notified. If you have not been notified, please contact your ticket provider." Another post, which was posted on August 13, 2021, read, "It’s “Thuh Nashville People” here to give you an update on our favorite humorist. Jeanne has been challenged with a severe illness, not Covid related, and will be unable to perform in Athens and Greenville this weekend. Those shows have been canceled. All ticket buyers should have been notified about the cancellations and refunds. If you have not been notified, please contact your ticket provider. In addition, Jeanne will not be doing her weekly Facebook Live Popup or Back Porch events this week. Please continue to monitor this Facebook page for further updates."