Country Music Association also names singers Ferlin Husky, Don Williams and songwriter Billy Sherrill

The Country Music Association has named Jimmy Dean, a Charter Member of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-entertainer, the newest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Also named to the Hall were recording artists Ferlin Husky, whose signature song, “Wings of a Dove,” became a No. 1 smash; Don Williams, The Gentle Giant, who racked up 17 No. 1 country hits; and songwriter-producer Billy Sherrill, best known for co-writing Tammy Wynette’s blockbuster hit, “Stand By Your Man.”

Contacted with the news, Dean humorously said, “I thought I was already in there. [But] seriously, it brought a huge grin to my face. I am honored.”