From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wilma Winifred Wyatt (November 4, 1911 – November 1, 1952) better known as Dixie Lee was an American actress, dancer, and singer. She was the first wife of singer Bing Crosby. Born Wilma Winifred Wyatt in Harriman, Tennessee on November 4, 1911 to Evan Wyatt and the former Nora Scarborough. She adopted the professional name "Dixie Carroll" to enter an amateur singing contest in Chicago in May, 1928. She won the contest and the prize was a job as a singer at a roadhouse called College Inn. Whilst working there, she was spotted by a talent scout and given a part in the traveling company of Good News. A film contract was subsequently offered and Winfield Sheehan of the Fox film studio changed her name to Dixie Lee, to avoid confusion with actresses Nancy Carroll and Sue Carol. She appeared in at least 16 films from 1929 to 1935.