Kate Smith dies
NZPA-Reuter Raleigh, North Carolina Kate Smith, a symbol of American patriotism for her personal anthem, the song “God Bless America,” died yesterday in hospital after a long illness. She was 79. She died of respiratory arrest after being taken by ambulance from the home in Raleigh where she lived with her sister. Kate Smith became known as a singer in 1931 with her C.B.S. radio show that earned her the nickname, “Songbird of the South.” But true fame came with her rendition of the Irving Berlin tune, “God Bless America,” which became a second national anthem.
In 1982, the President, Mr Ronald Reagan, awarded her the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour, at a ceremony in Raleigh.
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Press, 19 June 1986, Page 1
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122Kate Smith dies Press, 19 June 1986, Page 1
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