Molly Bee
by Fred T. Beeman

Molly Bee, the teenage country singer who became famous with “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” at age 13 in 1952, died from stroke complications at an Oceanside, California hospital, February 7, 2009 at 69.

Although she started her career on Rex Allen’s radio program at the tender age of 10, she could be seen in later years on The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show and on other music specials (including Jimmy Dean’s TV series) during the 1950s and 60s, where she was sometimes called upon to demonstrate her yodeling talent.

Born on August 18, 1939 in Oklahoma City (as Molly Gene Beachboard), the family moved to Tennessee and Arizona, before finally settling in the Los Angeles area when she was 11.

Molly is survived by a daughter, a son, a brother, and four grandchildren. Our condolences are offered to them, as well as to those who were friends and fans of hers.