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Singer Trisha Yearwood's mother dies at age 73

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gwen Yearwood, the mother of country music performer Trisha Yearwood and the co-author of two recently published cooking books with her daughter, has died at age 73.

Yearwood died early Saturday morning in Tifton, Ga., after a long fight with cancer. A statement to the Associated Press says Trisha Yearwood and her sister Beth were by their mother's side when she died.

"The family is deeply appreciative of the care and concern they've received throughout this journey," the statement said.

Gwen Yearwood, a teacher who lived in Monticello, Ga., for much of her life, wrote two cookbooks with her daughters: "Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen," released in 2008, followed by "Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood," issued in 2010.

Trisha Yearwood, a Grammy-winning singer, was among country music's most popular acts before going into semi-retirement with her husband Garth Brooks in Oklahoma. She continues to be a popular draw when she performs and said recently she hopes soon to hit Broadway when her stepchildren are all in college.

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