Goodbye, Miss Dottie

By now, the news of the day has circulated well among those within the industry, as well as fans all around the world....Saturday, May 10th, the world lost a legend when Dottie Rambo was killed in a bus accident.

According to the Singing News....

BOONE, NC(Singing News) - Singing News has confirmed that legendary singer/songwriter Dottie Rambo was killed in an early morning bus accident. Early reports indicate that the accident was weather-related, and that several other passengers aboard the bus were also injured. The family was notified early this morning that the accident happened near Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Manager Larry Ferguson is still unconscious and has two broken legs.

Updated Information from Missouri authorities:

At 2:19 a.m.,Missouri State Troopers responded to the accident that took place on I-44, two miles east of Mt. Vernon, Missouri. According to the Troopers' report, the 1997 Prevost Dottie was traveling aboard ran off the roadway, struck the guard rail and an embankment. Dottie was pronounced dead at the scene by Lawrence County (Mo.) Coroner Don Lakin at 4:20 a.m.

Aboard the bus were Dottie's product manager Christopher Barnes, Larry & Judy Ferguson, their children Pierce and Christian, and driver Ronnie Meadows.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

© 2008 Singing News

I have spoken to several friends who knew Dottie well and worked with her several times over the years. They all seem to be in shock. They also have nothing but kind words to say for her. She truly was one of the greatest.

In 2003, a friend of mine had Dottie Rambo in town for a concert. The bookstore I was working at brought her in for an in-store singing and autograph session. Needless to say, I did everything in my power to get a few words with this legend.

She was incredibly gracious, humble, and really took the time to talk to me about singing, writing, and different aspects of the ministry. She related a story to me about how it only took her 7 minutes to write "We Shall Behold Him," but two years to write "I Go To The Rock," stating that just because you have an idea doesn't mean it's necessarily finished. She taught me about making sure my lyrics were scripturally sound and how the hook is the most important part of the song (if they can't remember the hook, they won't remember the song). She also related to me some more personal aspects of her life and her own struggles (as I did with my own to her). It was a very touching time.

I stood there and watched as this once strong, instantly-recognizable figure within the music industry struggled to walk with her cane after years of pain and surgery. Yet, the entire time she was there, she never lost her smile.

Shortly before she left (and I went back to work), I thanked her for taking the time to discuss a few tidbits about gospel music. What she did next I'll never forget. She wrapped her arms around my neck and said, "You have a very sweet spirit. You'll do great things for the Lord." Here was this legend who has written more songs than I'd ever dream to and won awards upon awards telling me something like that. I was so moved that someone I have always looked up to and admired would do such a thing.

I'm sure there have been others with similar experiences shared with Miss Dottie. I know several friends who have worked with her over the years and have nothing but the utmost respect for her, but for me, personally, that is a moment that I will always remember and cherish.

Goodbye, Miss Dottie. Thank you for taking the time to share your gift with us.