Virginia Wynette Pugh ( usually known as Tammy Wynette , May 5 , 1942 - April 6 , 1998 ) , was an American country music singer , born in Mississippi . Virginia Wynette Pugh , known professionally as Tammy Wynette ( May 5 , 1942 -- April 6 , 1998 ) , was an American country music singer-songwriter and one of country music 's best-known artists and biggest-selling female vocalists .