Shirley Couch passed away in 2015. She was one of the subjects of the documentary “American Hollow,” which depicted the life of the Bowling family in a rural Kentucky hollow.
The documentary “American Hollow,” directed by Rory Kennedy, aired in 1999 and focused on the lives of the Bowling family, who lived in a small Appalachian valley in Kentucky. Shirley Couch, whose maiden name was Shirley Bowling, was a central figure in the film, which explored the challenges and the tight-knit community bonds of the family in an economically depressed area.
Shirley was known for her strong presence and the role she played in holding her family together. After the documentary’s release, it brought some attention to the struggles of families in Appalachia, but the Bowlings, including Shirley, continued to live their lives away from the spotlight.
In the years following the documentary, Shirley Couch faced various personal challenges, including health issues. She remained in the hollow, a place she had known as home for her entire life. Her passing in 2015 marked the end of an era for the family and those who knew her from the documentary, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and the enduring spirit of the Appalachian people.