Barbara Mandrell's Father, Irby, Dies at 84

Irby Matthew Mandrell, Barbara Mandrell's father, passed away today in a Nashville hospital after a brief stay.  Irby played a key role in Barbara's life and career as her manager for more than 30 years. "It's been all about daddy and me," Mandrell recently stated at a press conference announcing her as one of the newest members to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. She continued, "This is me being honored and this is Irby Mandrell being honored, because he earned it... It's immeasurable the amount of joy I feel, and I am even more grateful to be able to share this honor with my daddy, Irby Mandrell."Our family and some friends were standing around my daddy's bed at Baptist Hospital when he passed peacefully on to his heavenly home. I'm speaking for all of my family, especially my sisters Louise and Irlene, when I say he was our hero and we will miss him always," Barbara said.Services will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tenn.