Wendy Sweetman

In Loving Memory

In June of 2021, The Carolina Opry family lost one of our brightest lights. Wendy Sweetman, long-time production manager, passed away peacefully at home after a year-long battle with ovarian cancer. Wendy served 27 years with Calvin Gilmore Productions as Production Manager, Video Designer and as Calvin’s indispensable right-hand woman. The sum of that listing doesn’t begin to describe the depth of Wendy’s contribution. She “mothered” everyone in the cast, she sewed on sequins, checked hems, barked when necessary to get people onstage, offered a shoulder to cry on, and decorated the most magnificent Christmas sets. Concert performers in the Gilmore theater were always amazed at the care and detail that went into the catering and amenities that she provided backstage and were eager to return to our venue. In short, she expected every performance to be memorable, and did everything in her power to make it so. She and her loving husband Paul, who continues as lighting designer at the theater were inseparable. You are forever remembered, dear Wendy.