Dixie Carter (born May 25, 1939 in McLemoresville, Tennessee) passed away on April 10th, 2010 at the age of 70. Dixie is best known for her roles as Julia Sugarbaker on the popular '80s sitcom Designing Women, Gloria Hodge on Desperate Housewives, and as Ramada Thompson on Diff'rent Strokes. Dixie began her career as a theater actress in the late '60s, receiving a Tony Award nomination for her role in the musical, "Everything in the Garden". She then went on to film and television roles, appearing in TV shows such as Filthy Rich, Hart to Hart, and Gary Gets A Job as well as on Broadway in Thoroughly Modern Millie. In 1986, Dixie began her six-season run on Designing Women, which earned her critical praise and five Emmy Award and seven Golden Globe Award nominations. After Designing Women ended its run, Dixie starred in the television series "Accidental Family" and "Family Law". Later she signed onto the soap opera "All My Children", playing the role of Opal Cortlandt from 1998 to 2001. Dixie continued to act until her death in 2010, appearing in both television and film, including roles in Lifetime movies like "The Compass Rose" and "An Unexpected Love". Dixie was a beloved presence both on and off the screen; she was strong, energetic and full of wit, generosity, and ambition. Her bright smile and sparkling laugh lit up any room. Dixie is survived by her husband Hal Holbrook, her daughters Mary Dixie, Laura, and Ginna, and her adoptive son Matthew, who she adored. She was predeceased by her brother, Kenneth Neal Carter. Dixie will be missed by all who knew her, her fans and her family alike.