06/04/2026
In early 1973, not long before Irene Ryan’s health began to seriously decline, she and Buddy Ebsen shared what would unknowingly become one of their final visits together.
For more than nine years, they had played Granny and Jed Clampett — arguing, laughing, and loving each other like family on *The Beverly Hillbillies*. Off-screen, there was a genuine affection and respect between them that had only grown stronger with time.
That day, they spent hours reminiscing about the old filming days, the cast, the fans, and the little mountain family that had changed all their lives.
As the visit came to an end, neither of them had any reason to think it would be their last.
They talked about getting together again soon.
They spoke about taking a trip and seeing the countryside they both loved so much — the kind of quiet rural places that reminded them of the world that inspired the Clampetts.
There were smiles, handshakes, and promises.
As Irene prepared to leave, Buddy reportedly hugged her and said:
> “Reenie, next time we meet, we’ll go see those old hills again.”
She smiled and agreed.
But life had other plans.
Just a few months later, Irene Ryan passed away on April 26, 1973.
The trip never happened.
The reunion never came.
And the old hills they planned to visit together remained only a shared dream.
For fans, it is a heartbreaking reminder that sometimes the last goodbye doesn’t feel like a goodbye at all. Sometimes it feels like an ordinary afternoon between old friends who fully expect to see each other again.
And perhaps that is why the memory feels so poignant.
Jed and Granny got one last chance to laugh together.
They just didn’t know it was the last one.
