Holly Dunn, ‘Daddy’s Hands’ Singer, Dies at 59

Obits

Country musician had been battling ovarian cancer

holly dunn

Holly Dunn, the country singer who rose to prominence in the 1980s with hits such as “Daddy’s Hands” and “You Really Had Me Going,” has died following a battle with cancer, WSMV in Nashville reported Tuesday. She was 59.

Dunn, who revealed her battle with ovarian cancer in March, died in an Albuquerque, New Mexico, hospice facility surrounded by family and friends.

Born in 1957 in San Antonio, Texas, Dunn released 10 albums in the ’80s and ’90s, racking up a string of hits, including two — “Are You Ever Gonna Love Me” and “You Really Had Me Going” — which rose to the top position on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Dunn retired from the music industry in 2003, moving on to painting after releasing her final album, the gospel collection “Full Circle.” Her work is on display at Peña-Dunn Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

As news of Dunn’s death spread on Tuesday, tributes rolled in via social media, including from fellow country singer Chely Wright, who tweeted, “Holly Dunn has passed. She was my friend. Thank you, Holly, for all you did and all you were. So much grace.”

Country music star Crystal Gayle also offered her thoughts, writing, “I’m sorry to hear of Holly Dunn’s passing. I’ve know [sic] Holly for many years. A great Artist & person. My prayers are with her family & friends.”

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