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S. C. R. No. 522 *SS26/R1288* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Senator(s) Michel, Blount, Hopson,
McCaughn, McLendon, McMahan
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 522
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY AND 1
LEGACY OF MISSISSIPPI MUSICAL AND CULTURAL ICON GUY LEE HOVIS, JR. 2
WHEREAS, it is with profound sadness that we note the passing 3
of Mississippi musician and television icon Guy Hovis, Jr., on 4
January 22, 2026, at age 84. He leaves behind a legacy of love, 5
kindness, and an unwavering commitment to his family, friends, the 6
State of Mississippi, and the many audiences he entertained over 7
his lifetime; and 8
WHEREAS, Guy was born on September 24, 1941, in Tupelo, 9
Mississippi, the son of Guy Lee Hovis, Sr., and Frances Hovis. 10
From the age of five, he began singing in church, a passion that 11
would become the foundation of a remarkable career spanning more 12
than 40 years entertaining audiences of all ages all over America; 13
and 14
WHEREAS, Guy graduated from the University of Mississippi in 15
1963 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. While at 16
Ole Miss, he was an active member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, where he 17
gained lifelong friendships. During this time, Guy and his 18
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friends formed the "Chancellor's Quartet," a group of lifelong 19
friends who sang together for decades. His time at Ole Miss also 20
deepened his love of Rebel sports, and he remained a devoted fan 21
throughout his life; and 22
WHEREAS, after graduating, Guy fulfilled his military service 23
in the United States Army, including time at the Artillery Officer 24
Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and completing 25
Paratrooper School at Fort Benning, Georgia; and 26
WHEREAS, following his military service, Guy moved to 27
Hollywood to begin his full-time music career. He was introduced 28
to The Horn, a nightclub in Santa Monica where aspiring performers 29
showcased their talent. There, Guy was discovered by a producer 30
from The Art Linkletter House Party Show on CBS; and 31
WHEREAS, in 1969, Guy made his television debut on The 32
Lawrence Welk Television Show, an initial performance that led to 33
an invitation to join the Welk musical family. Guy went on to 34
perform on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1970 until the series 35
concluded in 1982, becoming a familiar and beloved presence to 36
audiences nationwide; and 37
WHEREAS, beyond television, Guy recorded 15 albums, worked 38
with such notable entertainers as Dinah Shore and Jim Nabors, and 39
made guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The 40
Merv Griffin Show, and others; and 41
WHEREAS, in 1990, Guy returned to Mississippi and became 42
Director of State Operations for his lifelong friend, former U.S. 43
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Senator Trent Lott for 17 years. In 2005, Guy performed "Let the 44
Eagle Soar" at the 43rd Presidential Inauguration Ceremony for 45
George W. Bush in Washington, D.C.; and 46
WHEREAS, throughout his life, Guy embraced opportunities to 47
give back, such as performing at benefit concerts, supporting 48
veterans' organizations, and participating in charity events. He 49
was a regular contributor to the First Baptist Church services and 50
television broadcasts. He also appeared in Mississippi Rising, a 51
nationwide television special that raised millions of dollars for 52
Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. He was inducted into the 53
Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame; and 54
WHEREAS, in retirement, Guy enjoyed a rich and active life 55
filled with the things he loved most. He was an active member of 56
Christ United Church, where he sang in the choir and was a member 57
of the "New Yorkers" Sunday School class. Guy also treasured 58
travel adventures with his wife, Sis, to many destinations, most 59
recently to the Holy Land and Italy; and 60
WHEREAS, Guy is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, 61
Sarah "Sis" Lundy Hovis; his sister, Joy Hovis Killebrew; his 62
daughter, Julie Hovis-Diaz (Carlos); his stepdaughter, Dawn 63
Moorhead Menard (Chane); his stepson, Hunter Moorhead (Amanda); 64
and his grandchildren Blair, Mary Margaret, Tori, Sophie, Wilson 65
and Reed; and 66
WHEREAS, Guy was known for his character, loyalty to those he 67
loved, and long-standing commitment to his church. Whether 68
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ST: Paying tribute to Mississippi musical icon
Guy Hovis, Jr.
through conversation, laughter, or simple acts of care, Guy made a 69
lasting impression. He will be remembered with love and 70
gratitude, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who 71
shared time with him. Those who were blessed to have spent time 72
around Guy will always remember the music that followed him 73
wherever he went; and 74
WHEREAS, we remember and cherish fondly the memory and legacy 75
of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi: 76
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 77
MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That 78
we do hereby pay tribute to the memory and legacy of Mississippi 79
musical and cultural icon Guy Lee Hovis, Jr., and extend the 80
condolences of the Legislature to his surviving family and friends 81
and the thanks of a grateful state. 82
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to 83
the surviving family of Guy Hovis and be made available to the 84
Capitol Press Corps. 85