Maggie Peterson best known for portraying the role of Charlene Darling on the 1960’s popular sitcom ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ died in Colorado on Sunday, May 15 the news of which was shared by her family on Facebook. She was 81. The sad news of her demise was also shared on the Instagram page of  Andy Griffith Museum.
 
The news of Maggie Peterson’s death comes months after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21. He was admitted to the hospital days earlier after being diagnosed with cancer but sadly could not make it. Bob Saget is another icon that Hollywood lost on January 9. Speaking of celebrity deaths, Betty White died at 99 of natural causes on December 31, 2021. Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, and Jeanette Maus are other public figures who died last year leaving their loyal fans devastated.
 
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Who was Maggie Peterson's husband?

Maggie Peterson, whose real name was Margaret Ann Peterson, was an actor and singer who also appeared on other TV shows such as ‘A Girl for Goober, ‘Love American Style’, ‘Green Acres’, ‘Gomer Pyle USMC’, and ‘The Odd Couple’. Revealing her death, the family on Facebook wrote, “It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday afternoon (Sunday, May 15). She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family present.”
 
The statement further read, “Maggie's health took a turn for the worse after the death of her husband Gus and we are relieved that we were able to move her home to be close to family for her last days. We will be planning a private service for Maggie in the next few weeks. Although this fundraiser will no longer be accepting donations, we will keep it open for a few more weeks in order to communicate with this community.”

Speaking of her husband, Maggie Peterson met jazz musician Gus Mancuso in 1968 while she was singing for an opening act for Andy Griffith at a casino in Lake Tahoe as he played bass in a lounge act. The two spent a few years in Los Angeles before finally settling in Las Vegas. The two stayed together until Mancuso’s death in December 2021 following a long battle with Alzheimer's. The two were married for over 50 years.

‘Thanks for the years of entertainment!’

Tributes poured in for Maggie Peterson as one of the users stated, “R.I.P. ACTRESS Maggie Peterson. . YOU WILL BE MISSED.” Another devasted fan posted, “RIP Maggie Peterson, perhaps the prettiest, sweetest voice to ever grace the Andy Griffith Show. Love this video from a few years ago of her and @TheDillards. This one makes you cry, especially now.”  One stated, “I know …. Didn’t know if you saw that or not! Sad day in Mayberry for sure! RIP Charlene Darling AKA Maggie Peterson. Long Live Charlene the Basset.”
 
The next one tweeted, “So sad to hear that Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darling) has passed away. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and many fans. RIP.” One user added, “Rest in Peace Maggie Peterson aka Charlene Darling from the Andy Griffith Show.  Thanks for the years of entertainment!”

R.I.P. ACTRESS Maggie Peterson. . YOU WILL BE MISSED.

RIP Maggie Peterson, perhaps the prettiest, sweetest voice to ever grace the Andy Griffith Show. Love this video from a few years ago of her and @TheDillards. This one makes you cry, especially now

I know …. Didn’t know if you saw that or not!
Sad day in Mayberry for sure! 🥲 RIP Charlene Darling AKA Maggie Peterson. Long Live Charlene the Basset👍

So sad to hear that Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darling) has passed away. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and many fans. RIP

Rest in Peace Maggie Peterson aka Charlene Darling from the Andy Griffith Show. Thanks for the years of entertainment!

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