By: Amelia Landers, Editor
Nan Kelley is an Oak Grove alumnus and has had a successful career since her days in Hattiesburg. She was scheduled to sing at our first football game but was unable to due to weather. I had the opportunity to get an update on her life and ask some questions.
Q: When did you graduate?
A: It hurts me to say this…..1983. Feels like just yesterday, but it wasn’t!
Q: After finishing at Oak Grove where did you go to college and what was your major?
A: University of Southern Mississippi and I majored in Communications with emphasis in Radio, TV, and Film.
Q: How about a favorite memory of your Oak Grove days?
A: So many happy, fun memories at the Grove: pep rallies, poster parties, break time in the courtyard with my friends and dressing up for theme days during Homecoming week. Oh, I must admit (not something I’m proud of!),I was always tardy (ask Carolyn Lott!) and I think I held a record (and I don’t encourage this! ). One year, I had Mr. Lynus Lott for 1st period. He would give you until he got to your name on the roll before you were late. Many a days, I was running down the hall of C building hollering “Heeerrree” as I heard him get to me. Thank goodness my last name started with an “S.”
Q: What about other special experiences from that time in your life?
A: I loved everything about high school life at Oak Grove! There’s a part of me that would go back and do it all again. Those friends I made during high school will stick in my heart the rest of my life. There are so many things you learn and forget as you get older. But you never forget the friends you grew up with. My best friend is Sharon Thomas (now Sharon Woosley). We grew up three houses apart and we graduated the same year. She now lives in Nashville. How many people can say they’ve been friends since they were 13 years old! My first trip overseas was with the French club from OG— I will never forget that! I still have all of my pictures and remember fondly the teachers who took us.
Q: Tell us about being crowned Miss Mississippi.
A: Being Miss Mississippi was a wonderful honor! There were so many positive things that came into my life from that experience. First of all, my college education was basically paid for—the scholarship money was such a help to me and my parents. I was able to travel the state and visit a lot of people. I spoke and performed at many events and that really helped me with my communication skills and helped me think on my feet—an invaluable tool in any occupation.
Q: Where was your first job?
A: Ward’s on Hardy Street. You can’t beat the rootbeer freezes!
Q: Can you share your career journey with us?
A: I moved to Nashville right after I graduated from Southern to sing at Opryland theme park. After that, I made my living as a performer/singer, until I started working on Music Row. That time taught me a lot about country music and the industry in general. I then landed my first TV job working for the Dick Clark Company on a show called “Prime Time Country.” I was the sidekick to the host of the show—an Ed McMahon character. Great experience! I was completely bitten by the TV bug! I moved to LA for a short period to study acting, but moved back to Tennessee after six months. That life out there is tough with so much competition. You had got to love and want it badly to stay with it and I knew that I wanted to get back into TV. I came back and got a job on camera at a shopping network. What a wonderful learning ground! I worked on air in 2-4 hour blocks of time selling products and ad libbing the entire time. Talk about needing to think fast on your feet! It was live TV and it was tough. But I loved it! And it really set the stage for my next career move, the live TV portion of the Grand Ole Opry. I got that job and enjoyed it so very much! Truly my dream job—talking with great country stars on country’s most famous stage! I now host the Top 20 Country Countdown on Great American Country, as well as several of their specials throughout the year. Just got home from work today where I interviewed Miranda Lambert about her new record. Tough day at the office, huh? I’m a lucky girl!
Q: Can you tell us about your family?
A: I’m married to Charlie Kelley. He’s from Maryland, but has lived in Nashville almost as long as I. He’s a wonderful musician and a four-time Grammy nominee. I’ve gotta share that because I’m so proud of him! We have the 4-legged canine variety for children; Molly (a boxer) and Chiefy (a sweet old stray, part dalmation/party pointer, I think?).
Q: We understand that you have faced some health challenges in your family. Can you share that with our readers?
A: Last year, I was diagnosed and successfully treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Thankfully, I am well! Three weeks after I finished my treatments, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had a successful surgery to remove that section of his colon and he is well too!! We’ve had so much support and care from many people in South Mississippi and I can’t thank you all enough for keeping us in your thoughts!
Q: Any advice for current OGHS students?
A: Be confident knowing you are getting a first class education from a school system that cares about you. I always knew that and I hope that you take advantage of all the opportunities that OG provides. Don’t sweat the small stuff, enjoy this time in your life and listen to the caring teachers and parents around you. They have your best interest in mind.
