The Last of the Stoneman Legacy | Country Music News

The “First Lady of the Mandolin,” Donna Stoneman, has died at ninety-two, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing bluegrass icon and the last living link to the legendary Stoneman Family. Known for her electrifying stage presence and mastery of the mandolin — she famously played a Gibson F-5 by eighteen — Donna shattered gender norms in a male-dominated genre. A winner of Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, she rose to fame alongside her banjo-playing sister Roni, helping launch the Stoneman Family’s national success, including a CMA Vocal Group of the Year win. Later, she embraced gospel music as an ordained minister while still performing with her family. With Roni’s passing last year, Donna’s death marks the quiet end of an era — a profound loss for bluegrass fans and music history alike. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/12b89dacf4d04c55