Happy Birthday, Jamie

KATIE HUELSBECK —Jamie is so authentic, and without pretension, that you can always be yourself around her. The best laughs are always had with Jamie! I don’t mean little giggles or chuckles, I mean the huge belly laughs that make you afraid you might wet your pants.

FRED DOMULOT—My fondest recollection of Jamie is the recent covert action taken to get Tom and I to Sean’s surprise birthday party.

She sent me a text and wanted to talk when we could. Of course at first I was thinking something is wrong. She pulled that off brilliantly!

Through the years, she and I would chat often when she would come to a gig where Sean and I were playing. I can say the biggest thing I can see and feel is how she really loves Sean.

There is a certain protection that only people in love can sense from other

people who are in love. I saw that protection from the beginning, at the wine festival. When my pregnant wife and I stayed with them.

My wife and I both saw the love they shared. The way Sean still lights up when she calls (when Sean actually answers!) I saw it when Sean and I had our little dark minute, the protection was there. She’s his light.

CONNIE BAGGETT—Describing Jamie is like explaining a rainbow to a child. The words never come close to the experience of the unbridled joy in her laughter, the mischief in her eyes or the absolute perfection of her freshly baked poundcake.

She takes names and does not abide fools—but dismisses them with such charm they feel honored as they walk away.

But she does have shortcomings. She cannot close her mouth for a photo even on a bet. I have dozens of photos to prove it.

Her golden heart is as healing as warm sun on a freezing overcast day. Like a breeze when the fish aren’t biting in summer at the pond. Of all the colors in her beautiful soul, I love that she is generous and kind enough to share friendship with me. She deserves all the joy possible to cram into a happy birthday and then some.

LYLE SANDQUIST—What we have always loved about Jamie is what I would describe as “intense passion,” whether it’s about her cooking, her caretaking of loved ones, her friendships, her helping Sean and his ventures, her animal babies, or whatever she puts her mind to!

BOBBY HORTON—When Lynda and I first met Sean, we were taken by his warmth, charm, sense of humor, and his many and varied talents, however, we worried about his ability to function in this world on a day to day basis — then we met Jamie.

She is sweet, thoughtful, and VERY smart! She makes sure Sean is where he is supposed to be, and when he’s supposed to be, and she makes sure his shirt and his pants match. We are thankful for her and wish her a very happy birthday!! When considering her responsibility for Sean — BLESS HER HEART!

TAMMIE BLACK—One of my funniest memories isn’t one for public consumption. It was when her chair tipped over at my mothers after-funeral gathering, and Jamie almost rolled down a literal mountainside, and lost her life, but never spilled a drop of her beer. Sean, unaffected, just kept strumming his banjo.

Really, what registers with me is Jamie’s tender heart, and how it shows when her eyes brim with tears

JOEL BLACK—Tender memories of Jamie? Like when she nearly bit my head off about the topic that shall not be named, but then graciously forgave me when I apologized? Or at least I hope she forgave me. Jamie's doghouse is not where I want to be.

And then there's the slow-motion flip backwards in the chair down the mountain without spilling her drink.

BRAD RYAN—She’s honest. She’s tough. She can have a smart mouth. All necessary qualities to deal with Sean of the South!

SIERRA BLACK—Our little family unit loves JJ! She taught me how to make the first coleslaw that I actually like, and she’s always been so welcoming with my kids, Hazel and Violet. I felt like we were all family at Thanksgiving last year over at her house, even more so when I was informed that there was still breast milk in the freezer.

My favorite memory, though, is Jamie interacting with my “step monster” at Violet’s first birthday. I think Jamie was embarrassed about the confrontation, but here’s the thing—in that moment, I felt so supported and seen by her. Jamie had my back. Jamie didn’t mean to, but Step Monster was confronted with the natural consequences of their behavior, because of Jamie, and I hold it close with immense gratitude nonetheless.

It is also pretty special to see Jamie interacting with Becca. It’s evident how much they love that girl!

GRAHAM BLACK—“She’ll be tumblin’ down the mountain when she comes.”

PHILIP PETERS—I not only look forward to my time with Jamie, I find myself smiling or laughing hours later thinking back on something she has said or a story she has told.

LAURA BETH PETERS—The first time I ever met Jamie was probably like many of the people reading this column. She was setting up a book table at a Sean of the South show. Her infectious laugh welcomed show goers and sealed the deal that they were in for a night of fun.

What I’ve since learned is that Jamie is much more than the book seller in the lobby at Sean’s shows. She’s had different careers, shown qualities of leadership, brought home the bacon and yet at the book table she stands, humbly. What a shining example of partnership in marriage.

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the Lord.”

AARON PETERS—Well, one night I’m staying with Sean and Jamie after performing at a show with Sean. This is a night that I’m trying to stop vaping.

Because of that, I have some nicotine pouches. At that time, I had to spit every few minutes lest I get sick (which could lead me to another story about a baseball game with Sean).

So I have my protein shake bottle that I discreetly spit in when I can’t spit outside. It was filled halfway with spit from the night before.

The next morning, Jamie informs me that she did me the favor of putting my protein shake in the fridge. I could have said “thank you” and disposed of my spit in private, but the learned, erudite genius that I am, just let her know that it was a bottle of spit.

The reaction was, let’s just say, less than understanding.

TONYE FRITH—First time I met Jamie it felt like we had known each other forever. Her warmth and laughter are contagious. A friend that, when you haven’t talked in a while, you just pick right up. I love you, Jamie. And your Biscuits.

DONNA FLORIO—Jamie Dietrich is a really special woman. Not only can she cook with the best of them, but she also manages to keep Sean Dietrich on the road—literally.

Lord knows how many miles she has driven Sean of the South, with him fiddling away beside her. Can you imagine? I suspect It would be like traveling with an annoying small child, but Jamie takes it all in her stride. Without her, his front porch would likely be the extent of his travels! (Sorry, Sean)

She is kind, funny, and the kind of woman you’d want to have a beer with. Who’ll hug a neighbor when his cat dies. And who is always the life of the gathering. I am very proud and pleased to know her.

SCOTTY RODGERS FALK—There are sooo many stories to tell, especially if I could remember them all.

One of the most memorable summers was the one after our freshman year in college. A specific memory, most likely the morning after drinking and tubing down the creek all day.

Three people in this posse drove Jamie down to Destin for her 6 am shift at Waffle House. According to Mrs Mary, Jamie’s mother, Jamie was still “half tight” at the time. But she still went to work.

AMY TOOTHAKER—I’ve really had a trying time with my health this past year. Jamie’s been right there with me every step of the way.

If laughter is the best medicine, that girl has cured me! Thanksgiving turkeys, falling through bushes, 80’s costumes and tubing at the lake are a few highlights that come to mind!

MANDY MCKENZIE-HOKE—You know that I have loved Jamie for almost all of my life, even when we weren’t in touch as much. We had some wilder days in our youth, and she frequently crosses my mind when I think of where we both are in our lives now. I am so grateful for her many, many years of friendship.

SHANNON ANDREWS SKIPPER—When you’re feeling bad because you’re running late to meet Jamie, she texts you the very same message and you feel at ease.

When you get to the bowling alley and you’re freezing, she brilliantly suggests going to Target to buy sweaters so we Southern ladies can properly enjoy bowling our worst game in history.

She listens with unlimited patience, she laughs with majestic gusto, and she has a heart of pure gold with glitter on top.

My favorite gift Jamie shares with the world is: You can be your MOST authentic self when you’re with this woman, and she’s here for it.

CASEY JERNIGAN KING—Jamie is the funniest, most fun, loyal and caring person I know. I love every ounce of her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. We have been friends since preschool at St. Stephens and I am so thankful to have her in my life.

SARAH LYN SCHMIDT—One summer afternoon, I was helping Jamie clean, knee-deep in ceiling-fan dust and baseboard grime.

Then, the song “Watermelon Crawl” came on the radio, and Jamie came alive, she knew every single word. Before long we were singing at the top of our lungs, dancing way more than cleaning.

Only Jamie can turn a boring cleaning day into a party. Out of all the “hundred gallons of sweet red wine made from the biggest watermelons on the vine,” Jamie is the sweetest one you’ll ever know or find.

Happy birthday to my sister-in-law, the one who introduced me to Tracy Byrd and all the ’90s country songs I never knew I was missing out on. You are the best and coolest sister in-law I know. I love you.

SEAN DIETRICH—Within my own personal history there are two Mes. The Me before I met Jamie. And the one that knows what love is.

Happy birthday, Jamie.