How-Dee! Madame Tussauds Nashville Introduces Minnie Pearl as First New Wax Figure

Iconic star of “Hee Haw” television series and Grand Old Opry legend
has first-ever wax figure at the soon to launch Nashville attraction

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Madame Tussauds, the world-renowned wax attraction slated to open its
newest location at Opry Mills this spring, unveiled a lively Minnie
Pearl wax figure during yesterday’s 63rd Annual Nashville Christmas
Parade. Family members of the late “Hee Haw” star joined in the
celebration atop of one of the brand new Gray Line Music City open-air
buses. The Minnie Pearl figure will be featured in the Nashville Madame
Tussauds attraction when it opens this spring.

Minnie, whose given name was Sarah Cannon, was a country comedian and a
fixture at the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years. Her dynamic figure
captures her effervescent personality starting with her wide smile and
iconic $1.98 price tag hanging from her floral hat, right down to her
signature black Mary Jane shoes adorned with “Minnie” and “Pearl”
written down the side. Her outfit is custom-made and inspired by her
dress on display at the Grand Ole Opry Museum.

“We are so thrilled to have been a part of the creation of the Minnie
Pearl Madame Tussauds figure,” said Barbara Sanders, Minnie Pearl’s
great niece. “Minnie was an incredible woman who loved Nashville. Our
family knows how much she would have loved this special honor.”

Some fun facts about the figure:

• Madame Tussauds consulted with the late singer’s family to select the
  figure’s expression to make sure it truly captures her likeness
• Production of the figure took more than five months to complete
• The Madame Tussauds artists visited the Opry Museum to measure the
  dress and hat to ensure they are an exact replica
• Each individual hair is placed onto the figure to ensure life-like
  quality
• There are 20 artists and sculptors with different specialties that
  work on each figure

Each Madame Tussauds figure is truly a work of art, involving teams of
professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive
research and take more than 300 measurements to recreate world-famous
icons, to achieve the kind of astonishing realism that has been at the
heart of the 250-year Madame Tussauds legacy.

With a completely different concept, the attraction in Nashville will be
the company’s first offering in the US that focuses solely on music
icons that have shaped America’s musical landscape. Guests are
encouraged to have fun with the famous stars from musical genres such as
Country, Rock n Roll, Jazz, Blues and Pop.

Additional figures hitting the stage at Madame Tussauds Nashville
include Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and
Johnny Cash. More artists will be added to the bill within the coming
weeks.

Guests can now save $5 off regular price tickets and be one of the first
to experience the attraction. The tickets can be redeemed anytime
following the grand opening until the end of 2017. These
limited-time-only early bird tickets are $19 for adults and $14 for
children ages 3-12. Prices will return to regular attraction price
following the grand opening. Ages two and under are free.

To stay up to date on progress and new figure reveals, visit the
attraction’s website and join the newsletter at https://www.madametussauds.com/nashville.

Additionally, stay connected on social media for real-time updates:

• Facebook: /madametussaudsnashville
• Instagram: @tussaudsnashville
• Twitter: @tussaudsnash
• Hashtag: #MadameTussaudsNashville

About Madame Tussauds Nashville

Madame Tussauds Nashville attraction is a new interactive wax experience
where guests have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal
with some of the world’s biggest musical icons. Built to honor Music
City and its deep roots into America’s history, Madame Tussauds will
host visitors from across the globe as they enjoy a historical walk
through America’s musical past and present with vivid scenes supporting
the colorful cast of figures. Conveniently located within Opry Mills
Mall, the star-studded attraction is set to open in the spring of 2017.

Visit www.madametussauds.com/nashville
or the attraction’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/mademetussaudsnashville
for more information.

About Merlin Entertainments plc

Merlin Entertainments plc is a global leader in location based, family
entertainment. As Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest
visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 100 attractions,
13 hotels and 5 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4
continents. The company aims to deliver memorable experiences to its
more than 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and
local brands, and the commitment and passion of its c.27,000 employees
(peak season).

Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz
for more information.

Contacts

Media:
Reed Public Relations
Tori Ross, 978-273-0207
tori@reedpublicrelations.com