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Pat Summitt’s Pastor Says The Famed Tennessee Coach’s Death Is Imminent

Legendary Lady Vols head coach Pat Summitt was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2011 and stepped back from some coaching duties. Credit: TN Photo Services
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Pat Summit is now surrounded by her closest friends and family after a line of former players came to say their goodbyes Sunday. Her pastor called in to WOKI-FM in Knoxville and said the legendary Lady Vols coach is close to death.

“There’s no visitors allowed anymore, and Pat will probably pass into heaven in the next few days,” said pastor Chris Stephens, who says he will preside over Summitt’s funeral.

As a coach, Summitt won eight national championships and more games than any other woman. In 2011, she announced her diagnosis of early onset dementia. The next year she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a White House ceremony.

Summitt turned 64 earlier this month.

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Blake Farmer, Host, This Is Nashville

Blake Farmer is the host of “This Is Nashville,” the flagship weekday show of Nashville Public Radio. Previously, Blake spent 16 years at WPLN News, serving as host, editor and news director. Before a two-year radio hiatus with a Nashville-based healthcare company, Blake was one of the country’s most prolific healthcare audio journalists. He produced stories for both local and national programs, extending the reach of his reporting through a partnership with KFF Health News. Outside of work, Blake can be found running or biking on roads that other Nashvillians consider too busy for such activities. So far, he has always made it home to his wife of 20 years and two children.

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