Legendary Capitol Hill reporter, Drue Smith dies

Drue H. Smith, one of Nashville's most beloved and respected media figures, died at Baptist Hospital Thursday evening of heart failure.

A native of Chattanooga, where she got her journalism start at The Chattanooga Free Press and The Chattanooga Times, Ms. Smith covered Capitol Hill for roughly 60 years, most recently as a reporter with the Green Hills News and as a Tennessee Radio Network commentator.

During her storied career, Ms. Smith, who kept her age a secret, championed women's issues. In the 1970s, she helped a then-unknown Oprah Winfrey get her broadcast journalism career start at WVOL.

Ms. Smith was as well known for her flamboyant outfits and eccentric behavior as she was her vast journalism talent and knowledge of state politics. Even up until this year, she could be seen "zipping" - at upwards

of 20 miles per hour - about town in her fire-engine read Mustang. Last April, the Tennessee General Assembly honored Ms. Smith with a resolution recognizing her years of dedicated journalism service.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Drue Smith," Gov. Don Sundquist said in a press release. "Her unique style, colorful dress and Southern charm have played a major role in our state's rich history. She has been an icon in the state of Tennessee for decades and will be missed."

Smith is survived by a daughter, Drusilla Fuller of Texas.

At press time, funeral arrangements were incomplete.