Dottie Rambo, 1934-2008
Several Southern Gospel websites (including Singing News) report that legendary singer / songwriter Dottie Rambo died early this morning in a tour bus accident. Her manager, Larry Ferguson, is unconscious and has two broken legs. Early reports were that the tour bus was caught in a tornado. (Update: He is now conscious but still in bad shape. Also, while it might not have technically been a tornado, winds from the same storm system are thought to have led to the wreck.)
I am not sure I have collected my thoughts enough to post something fitting. But this is certainly a stark reminder to pray for the safety of all who travel the highways and airways of the country to spread the Gospel in word and song.
Comment by D.J. (May 11, 2008, 6:19 pm)
This is so shocking and sad to hear - but in the same sense, I am very happy for Dottie. She is finally seeing the Lord that she has sang about for so long. Yet, it is still very shocking.
Comment by Sony (May 11, 2008, 10:03 pm)
I just got home to find this news and it is definitely a sad day for Southern Gospel fans but I am glad that Dottie is no longer suffering. After letting this sink in, the Lord impressed me to pray for Reba. I don’t know what their plans were for today but God’s ways are not always ours. Father, wrap Your arms around Reba and comfort her during this trying time.
Comment by Paul (May 11, 2008, 10:14 pm)
Wow! Wow! Wow! This is so shocking! Wow! Please, everyone, pray for these artists as they travel the incredible number of miles they travel each and every year! Please keep Dottie’s family in your prayers! Wow!
Comment by Meagan Williams (May 11, 2008, 10:52 pm)
What tragic, heartbreaking news! Dottie was such a beautiful and remarkable person. We’ve all been so blessed by her and her music ministry for years. What a blessing it is to know that Dottie is with her Lord whom she loved and wrote so beautifully about. We’ve lost a dear, dear woman in the Southern Gospel with, but Praise God for the wonderful legacy she leaves!
Comment by Meagan Williams (May 12, 2008, 1:06 am)
Something to add…Mark Lowry reported on his website that he spoke today with Reba Rambo and said that Dottie was asleep in the back lounge of the bus when the accident occured. Upon reading this, I was immediately reminded of the words of Dottie’s sweet song, “Sheltered In The Arms Of God.” How beautiful and profound these words are.
“I’ll fall asleep
And wake in God’s sweet heaven
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.
So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They don’t bother me;
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.
He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.”
Comment by Leah Hardin (May 12, 2008, 11:55 am)
She was one of God’s great champions!! She will be missed….but I do know this for a fact, she is now “Beholding Him” and in His loving care!! Her songs will keep inspiring many…Her gift of songs comes from a place of heaven that she has left for us here…the choir of heaven just added a great one to the fold!!!
Comment by Ruthy James (May 12, 2008, 12:06 pm)
Yes when I heard the news last night it was a shock, but I also had to rejoice. What great songs she brought to many. When she sang you could feel the very presence of Christ in her songs. Love & prayers to Reba and her family at this sad time. She was a Lady that lived what she wrote. She will be missed!!
Comment by paul mallery (May 12, 2008, 4:16 pm)
IT SURE HAS BEEN A SAD TIME, LOSING SUCH A GIFTED AND TALENTED SERVENT OF GOD. SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED…
HER MUSIC WILL CONTINUE TO BE HEARD BOTH ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN AND THE OTHER SIDE!!! IT WOULD BE HARD TO PICK A FAVORITE SONG BUT HE LOOKED BEYOND MY FAULTS AND SAW MY NEEDS. MT LOVE AND PRAYERS TO REBA AND DONNIE AND CHILDREN.
Comment by Quaid (May 12, 2008, 5:51 pm)
As her song says, “Mamma’s teaching angels how to sing”. May the Lord bring comfort to Reba and the rest of the family.
Comment by Brenda Williams (May 19, 2008, 6:44 pm)
I HAVE KNOWN DOTTIE FOR YEARS SHE HAS BEEN A SHINNING STAR IN MANY PEOPLES LIVES AND KNOW WHEN WE LOOK UP TO HEAVEN WE KNOW THAT SHE IS ONE OF THE MOST REMEMBERAL STARS WE WILL EVER SEE …MAY GOD BE WITH YOU REBA AND FAMILY