The Kentucky Distillers’ Association honored the life and legacy of Bardstown, Ky., historian and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Dixie Hibbs.

As Bardstown’s leading historian, Dixie devoted her life to preserving and sharing the rich, vibrant story of Bardstown and Nelson County—helping define the region’s pivotal place in America’s history and in the rise of its signature Bourbon industry.

Dixie was the trusted authority on local history. Her deep knowledge, generous spirit, and unwavering passion made her an invaluable resource and a beloved friend to so many.

In 1982, she shattered barriers as the first woman elected to Bardstown’s City Council—so unexpected at the time that her title officially read “Councilman,” because there was no provision for a “Councilwoman.” She went on to make history again as Bardstown’s first female mayor, leading with collaboration, practicality, and heart. 

Her tenure was defined by her ability to unite people, make thoughtful decisions within limited budgets, and champion the infrastructure and community improvements that shaped the town she so dearly loved.

In 2004, Dixie became the first woman inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, recognizing her decades of dedication to the people, history, and spirit of Kentucky Bourbon. Her lifelong commitment to the appreciation, advancement, and betterment of Bourbon was further honored with her induction into The Order of the Writ, joining distinguished Bourbon champions from around the world.

In her quiet, confident way, Dixie leaves an enduring mark — on the page, on this community, and on our hearts. Her positivity, wisdom, and indelible spirit continue to resonate.

As she once said:

“Every problem has more than one approach. Don’t ever think there’s only one way to solve a problem. Ask any woman—she’s been solving them all her life.”

Here is Hibbs’ obituary, as published by Houghlin Funeral Homes:

Dixie P. Hibbs of Bardstown, KY, died peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on January 12, 1942, to Bill and Christine Boblitt Polley. The first of two daughters, Dixie excelled in school and developed her love for reading as a child. She was a 1959 graduate of Old Kentucky Home High School. On June 20, 1959, she married Franklin Hibbs, Jr., her beloved husband, and together they had three children: Franklin, III (“Frankie”); Laura; and Stephen, all graduates of Bardstown High School where their father served on the school Board for decades.

Dixie was deeply devoted to community service and the City of Bardstown. She recognized the importance of both preserving the city’s rich history and advancing it forward. To that end, she was a member of the Historical Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Bourbon Hall of Fame Committee, and the Mission Committee at Nazareth, with whom she traveled to Belize in 2012 to participate in building a home for a local family. She led the renovation of six significant properties, including Anatok, Flaget Hall and Spalding Hall. Dixie also led efforts to develop the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and to preserve Wickland – The Home of Three Governors – and served as caretaker for that property for several years while it was open for tourists and special events. On any given day, you could find Dixie being quoted in local newspapers, greeting visitors at the welcome center, presenting at local schools and libraries, or directing a tour bus, telling others about the rich history of the city that she loved.

In fact, her passion for history led her to author and publish 17 books and more than 20 articles on local and regional history.

Ahead of her time, she served as a City Councilwoman for 19 years and was elected Bardstown’s first female Mayor in 2002. Having served as a Board Member for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, as well as a vendor, and written about the history of bourbon in this area, she was also the first woman to be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. She was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1992 and inducted into the Nelson County Hall of Fame in 2008. Shortly before her death, the Kentucky Heritage Council recognized Dixie with the Ida Lee Willis Memorial Service to Preservation Award in Frankfort, and the City of Bardstown issued a Proclamation recognizing her lifetime of service, leadership, and preservation efforts.

Her love for the community was only outmatched by her love for and devotion to her family. She is predeceased by her parents, Bill and Christine Polley, her husband, Franklin; and her son Franklin, III and nephew John Taylor. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Gilkerson (Ron) of Nicholasville, her son Stephen Hibbs (Kim Wheatley) of Bardstown; grandchildren: Adam McKay, Stephen Hibbs, Jr. (Megan); Johnathan Hibbs (Anna), Aidan Wheatley, Franklin Hibbs, IV (Alexandra); and Isaac (“Ike”) Hahn-Hibbs; Julie Kirkpatrick (Brad), Grant Gilkerson (Jenny); a sister, Marie (Gehrig) Taylor, nieces Debra Tee (Mike), and Dana Skaggs (Buzz), and Great-grandchildren Alyssa Miller, Harper Hibbs, Ryder Hibbs, Remy Hibbs, Izzy Hibbs, Harrison Hibbs, Margot Hibbs, Taylor Carney, Elijah Jones, Lily Dixon, Logan Kirkpatrick, and Sophie, Ben, Anna, and Emma Gilkerson, along with many beloved in-laws and great-nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 12, at Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home from 1:00 to 8:00 pm, with a prayer service at 5:00 pm that evening. Visitation will also be from 9:00-10:45 on Monday. Funeral service will be at St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00, followed by a graveside service.

Donations in memory may be made to the Bardstown Foundation for Excellence in Public Education, Bardstown United Methodist Church, and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Missions programs.