Lexington, Kentucky, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Gurney Norman, a renowned Appalachian writer and former Kentucky Poet Laureate, has passed away at the age of 88. His literary contributions spanned several notable works, including ‘Divine Right’s Trip’ and ‘Kinfolks.’ Born in Virginia and raised in Kentucky, Norman was influential in fostering a vibrant literary culture in the region, serving as a mentor to many aspiring authors. He earned accolades such as the Weatherford Award and was inducted into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame. A celebration of his life and legacy is expected later this year.
Lexington, Kentucky – Gurney Norman, a celebrated Appalachian writer and former Kentucky Poet Laureate, passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his wife, Nyoka Hawkins. He died on Sunday from natural causes.
Born in Grundy, Virginia in 1937, Norman was raised in the southern Appalachian Mountains, primarily in Allais, Kentucky, near Hazard. He spent his formative years being raised by his maternal grandparents in Southwest Virginia and his paternal grandparents in Eastern Kentucky. Norman attended Stuart Robinson School in Letcher County, Kentucky from 1946 to 1955 and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1959 with a degree in journalism and English.
In 1960, he earned a Wallace Stegner Fellowship in Creative Writing at Stanford University, where he studied under notable writers including literary critic Malcolm Cowley and Irish short story writer Frank O’Connor. After completing his fellowship, Norman served two years in the U.S. Army before returning to Eastern Kentucky in 1963 to work as a reporter for The Hazard Herald.
Norman’s dedication to fiction writing led him away from journalism. He worked as a fire lookout for the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon during the summers of 1966 and 1967. His first significant publication was the novel “Divine Right’s Trip” in 1971, featured in The Last Whole Earth Catalog. In 1974, he co-founded the Briarpatch Network alongside Richard Raymond and Michael Phillips, fostering literary and cultural initiatives in the region.
His collection of short stories, “Kinfolks,” published in 1977, received the Weatherford Award from Berea College. After joining the Department of English at the University of Kentucky in 1979, Norman’s contributions to arts and culture garnered recognition, including awards from the Eastern Kentucky Leadership Conference and the Appalachian Studies Association.
Norman was the Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 2009 to 2010 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Berea College in 2011. He was recognized as one of Kentucky’s “Fab Five” writers, along with notable authors like Wendell Berry and Bobbie Ann Mason. In 2019, he was inducted into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame and in 2021, a subdivision named Gurney’s Bend was established in Perry County in his honor.
A celebration of Norman’s life is expected to take place later this year. His literary contributions included various notable publications, such as “Ancient Creek” and “Allegiance.” He also narrated a series for KET during the late 1980s that highlighted Kentucky’s history and culture. Throughout his career, Norman served as an influential mentor to many aspiring authors in Kentucky. In an effort to honor his legacy, a two-day event called Gurneyfest was held in November 2023 at the University of Kentucky.
FAQ
Who was Gurney Norman?
Gurney Norman was an acclaimed Appalachian writer, former Kentucky Poet Laureate, and influential figure in Kentucky literature known for his novels and short stories.
What are some of Gurney Norman’s notable works?
Some of his notable works include “Divine Right’s Trip,” “Kinfolks,” “Ancient Creek,” and “Allegiance.”
When did Gurney Norman pass away?
Gurney Norman passed away on Sunday at the age of 88.
What positions did Gurney Norman hold during his career?
He served as a reporter, a professor at the University of Kentucky, and as the Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 2009 to 2010.
What honors did Gurney Norman receive?
Norman received various awards, including the Weatherford Award from Berea College and was inducted into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame in 2019.
Key Features of Gurney Norman’s Legacy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Grundy, Virginia, 1937 |
| Education | University of Kentucky, Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford |
| Notable Works | “Divine Right’s Trip,” “Kinfolks,” “Ancient Creek,” “Allegiance” |
| Awards | Weatherford Award, Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame Inductee |
| Positions Held | Reporter, Professor, Poet Laureate of Kentucky |
| Celebrations of Life | Gurneyfest at the University of Kentucky, Subdivision named Gurney’s Bend |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Gurney Norman Passes Away
- WYMT: Legendary Writer Gurney Norman Dies
- Daily Yonder: Gurney Norman in Conversation
- The Frontier Post: Rebuilding Hazard, Kentucky
- Wikipedia: Gurney Norman
- Google Search: Gurney Norman
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