Southern Gospel Star Dottie Rambo Dies

Dottie Rambo photo courtesy of Aaron Crisler/The Judy Nelon Group.

May 12, 2008 — Southern gospel singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo — whose material was recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Barbara Mandrell — died yesterday in a bus accident near Mount Vernon, Mo., the Associated Press reported. The passing was the most recent in a rash of country-related deaths.

"I know Dottie is in Heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed," Dolly Parton said in a statement. "Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer, songwriter and entertainer, and — as of late — my duet singing partner."

Dottie’s next album, Sheltered In The Arms Of God, was set for release this summer, featuring a duet with the late Porter Wagoner, Nashville TV station WKRN reported. Dottie was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame last year and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Several other country artists and related figures have breathed their final breaths during the first two weeks of May. Jim Hager, of the Hee Haw duo the Hagers, died May 1 following a suspected heart attack. Former Jim Reeves guitarist Leo Jackson committed suicide May 4, and Jerry Wallace — who earned a No. 1 hit in 1972 with "If You Leave Me Tonight I’ll Cry" — died the following day. Country Music Hall of Fame member Eddy Arnold died Thursday.

In addition, John Radney Foster, the father of singer-songwriter Radney Foster (author of Sara Evans’ "A Real Fine Place To Start" and half of the former country duo, Foster & Lloyd), died Friday at age 77 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Services will be held in both San Antonio and Del Rio, Texas.