Bloomington, IN - Researchers at Indiana University have released new study findings confirming that deceased artist and former PBS The Joy of Painting host Bob Ross' hair was really a "Happy Little Tree."
"Little raccoons and old possums 'n' stuff all live up in here. They've got to have a little place to sit," Ross has said when asked about his unique hairstyle.
DNA testing was conducted after exhuming Ross' body from its resting place underneath a "friendly green bush" (which can be created with just a fan brush and a mix of Phthalo green and a touch of Cadmium yellow).
Dr. Katherine J. Vangundy, IU research specialist and project leader, released study details at a news conference Monday at WIPB-TV in Muncie, where Ross' show originated.
"To be forthcoming, our team almost had no final report," admitted Vangundy. "A minor error nearly destroyed our complete DNA sample data. But as Mr. Ross always said, 'We don't make mistakes. Only happy accidents.'"
The Joy of Painting ran for 12 years on PBS, beginning in 1983 and ending with Ross' death in July 1995.