The Branson, Missouri community mourns the passing of Bill Daily

In 1985, Bill Daily, husband of well-known novelist Janet Daily, opened the Country Music World Theater in Branson. Back then the town had about 8 theaters…today there are 45. Shoji Tabuchi was one of the performers Daily presented to Branson. Daily`s latest Branson project was the New Shanghai Theatre built for the Acrobats of China show. Daily was also the person who, in 1990, loaned Jim and Ann Stafford the money to buy their first theater. That same year, 1990, Daily started the first widely known morning show featuring Jennifer Wilson. Many more morning shows were to follow and dozens still play today. He was partners with Jim Thomas in the Lodge of the Ozarks on highway 76. Bill Daily passed away Friday at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Memorial Service is at the New Shanghai Theatre, and at Daily`s request, Jim Stafford will be performing a musical tribute at the service.

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