Irlene's mother Mary was a homemaker and musician hailing from rural Wayne County, Illinois.
Her father Irby was a World War II naval veteran and Texas police officer from Garland County, Arkansas.
Mandrell captured two awards for Comedy Act of the Year from Music City News and later sought opportunities in film, television, and video.
She co-hosted Bright Lights & Country Nights and This Week in Country Music, and televised benefits with names such as George Lindsey, Bob Hope, and Sammy Davis Jr. Mandrell has been a model for several companies, including Cover Girl shoes, Lanne Skin Care products, and 9West shoes.
The Irlene Mandrell Celebrity Shoot raises a large amount of money for Wish Upon A Star and the Boy Scouts.
As of 2012[update], Irlene Mandrell is a celebrity spokesperson for several companies, such as CZ-USA, She Safari, Horton Crossbows, DRT Ammo, Wild Ride Beef Jerky, and Deerassic Park.
She has appeared on several outdoor shows, and was featured in "Irlene Mandrell: Straight Shooter", a segment on PBS's Tennessee's Wildside.