Webthe tragic end on august 17, 1990, pearl bailey passed away at thomas jefferson university hospital in philadelphia. The cause of her death was heart failure,. Webcardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, but she died about half an hour later. The cause of death was not immediately known, and an autopsy will be. Webthere was a surprise ending. After going through all her hit song motions, bailey invited marsalis, who had played his own set earlier in the evening, to join her onstage. Webpearl bailey, a southern preacher’s daughter who became a top performer best known for her throaty rendition of “hello dolly,” died friday at thomas jefferson. Webthrough scans of photographs and documents from the university archives, this exhibit reflects both her time at georgetown and the impact she had on the georgetown. Webpearl bailey, the actress and singer with the sexy, throaty drawl and droll sense of humor who once was called america’s “ambassador of love,” died friday at. Webpearl bailey, the entertainer whose distinctive singing style was enhanced by her mischievous witticisms and warm personality, died on friday at thomas jefferson.