Two larger-than-life-size bronze statues of Nelson County’s most famous native sons, Jimmy Fortune and Earl Hamner, were unveiled at a ceremony at the Nelson County Historical Society’s Oakland Museum July 8.
Fortune, who sang with the Statler Brothers for 21 years, and Hamner, creator of “The Waltons” TV show, were honored at the event with hundreds of fans and spectators in attendance. Present at the unveiling were Jimmy Fortune and members of his family along with Kami Cotler, who played the youngest Walton, Elizabeth, in the long-running television series.
Lyndon Cook, a retired college professor and fan of Fortune, commissioned the statues by Stan Watts, a noted artist and sculptor. The statues are on permanent display on the grounds at Oakland Museum near Lovingston.
