Dolly Parton has paid tribute to DOTTIE RAMBO after learning of the gospel star's death in a Mother's Day tourbus accident on Sunday (11May08).
The singer/songwriter, real name Joyce Rambo, died when her bus crashed into an embankment at the side of a highway in Missouri. She was 74.
Seven other people on the bus were injured in the wreck, which happened just outside Mount Vernon.
Rambo was on her way to a Mother's Day performance in Texas.
Parton, who recorded some of Rambo's songs, says, "I know Dottie is in heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed.
"Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer-songwriter and entertainer, and, as of late, my duet singing partner."
"Dottie, stand by the river and wait for me. I will always love you.
"I also want to send my prayers and thoughts to her manager Larry Ferguson, the children, families and everyone involved in this terrible tragedy."
Rambo is an inductee of both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Among the 2,500-plus gospel songs she has had published are We Shall Behold Him and He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need.