Pauline Richards, known affectionately as Miss KFC and the world's longest-serving employee of the fried chicken chain, has died at the age of 50 years of service. The 68-year-old began working at the KFC branch in Taunton, Somerset, in 1978 as a cleaner before taking on nearly every role in the store, including team leader and manager.
Taunton Town Council paid tribute to Richards, describing her as one of the town's 'most loved residents'. In a statement, the council said: 'All of us at Taunton Town Council are saddened to learn of the passing of one of Taunton's most loved residents, Pauline Richards, aka Miss KFC, the world's longest-serving member of KFC staff and a friendly, well-known face in our town.'
A KFC spokeswoman added: 'We're deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pauline Richards. We are supporting Pauline's family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.'
Richards became a cult figure in Taunton, serving customers with a smile and a bit of banter. In 2019, she revealed she had no plans to retire after serving over five million drumsticks. She said children would call her 'Miss KFC' and even cricketers recognised her. 'When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me 'Hello Miss KFC' and call me 'Mum' and 'Nan',' she said.
Richards started at KFC to support a friend who was nervous about working in the old East Reach branch. She initially worked as a cleaner before becoming a cashier and then a manager for two and a half years. After the East Reach branch closed, she moved to the current KFC on East Street, where she worked as a team member. She said she loved her job and had no complaints about the company.
