Beloved Singer, Lulu Roman, Dies at 78

Lulu Roman, the beloved gospel singer and longtime star of the country variety show Hee Haw, has passed away at 78.

A close friend confirmed to USA Today that Roman died on April 23 in Bellingham, Washington, where she had moved last year to be closer to him. Her cause of death has not been shared.

Roman’s journey to fame started far from the bright lights of television. Born Bertha Louise Hable in 1946, she spent her childhood in an orphanage after being placed there at just two and a half years old. She battled health challenges, including a thyroid condition and struggles with her weight, which she later said made her a target for bullying. Food became a comfort during those difficult early years.

Her resilience, however, would define her life. She first made a name for herself as a Go-Go dancer and comedian in Texas nightclubs before landing a spot on Hee Haw in 1969. The show, a comedy sketch series mixed with live country music performances, made her a household name.

Roman’s sharp wit and infectious laugh won over audiences for decades. Although a battle with drug addiction briefly pulled her away from Hee Haw in the 1970s, it ultimately led her to a new path. After discovering Christianity during her recovery, Roman shifted her focus to gospel music, recording a dozen albums and singing with legends like Dolly Parton and George Jones.

In 1980, she performed at President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, and by the late 1990s, she was honored with an induction into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Roman wasn’t just a singer and comedian. She also acted, appearing in the spin-off series Hee Haw Honeys, the film Corky, and even an episode of The Love Boat.

Country star T. Graham Brown paid tribute to her, sharing, “Lulu Roman was a dear friend of 40 years and she will always be remembered as one who made people laugh and smile. What better tribute is there? I talked to her a few days ago. We shared one last laugh and I told her that I loved her. I will really miss her. May God bless her soul.”

Lulu Roman is survived by her eldest son, Damon. Her youngest son, Justin, passed away in 2017.