HEE HAW cast member Lulu Roman. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Lulu Roman, Beloved Country Gospel Artist, Passed At 78
Lulu Roman, cherished gospel singer and former Hee Haw star, passed away at the age of 78 on April 23, 2025, at her son Damon’s home. Though no official cause of death has been disclosed, The Hollywood Reporter shared that she was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments. She had moved to Bellingham, Washington, just seven months prior to be nearer to her family.
Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, Lulu’s early life was marked by hardship. Placed in a Baptist orphanage in Dallas as a child, she was never adopted. She battled a thyroid condition that contributed to her weight issues, and her teenage years were shadowed by drug struggles and personal turmoil.
In 1971, a drug possession arrest for marijuana, methamphetamines, LSD, and speed served as a painful turning point. But out of that darkness, a profound transformation emerged. In 1973, she embraced Christianity—a moment that forever altered the course of her life.
“After I gave my heart to Jesus, the Lord started working on me and making me into quite a different person than when I started,” she once shared with powerful candor.
Her life became a testimony of redemption and faith. Through song, Lulu poured her soul into every gospel performance, singing not just with talent but with the deep resonance of someone who had truly lived every lyric.
Her rendition of Amazing Grace remains one of her most moving legacies. You can watch her heartfelt performance below—one last echo of a voice that touched hearts and told a story of pain, healing, and hope.
Lulu Roman’s Impressive Career
Roman carved her niche in entertainment history through her standout role on Hee Haw, the iconic CBS comedy that blended rustic humor with country charm.
Her entry into the beloved variety show was guided by none other than country music legend Buck Owens, who saw potential in her razor-sharp wit and undeniable presence. Their friendship led to her spot on the cast, where she quickly became a fan favorite for her timing and charisma.
Roman later took center stage in Hee Haw Honeys, the spinoff series that aired from 1978 to 1979, further solidifying her place in the hearts of country television audiences. Beyond the screen, she expanded her reach into film and a variety of television roles, building a dynamic and enduring career.
In 1985, she was honored with a Dove Award for her gospel LP You Were Loving Me, marking her influence beyond the small screen. Her vocal talents and spiritual artistry led to collaborations with legends like Dolly Parton and George Jones, placing her among country music’s elite.
Her contributions were formally recognized in 1999 with her induction into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame—a testament to her impact on the genre.
Roman offered an intimate look at her life and journey with the release of her autobiography, This is My Story, This is My Song, in 2019, sharing personal reflections from her decades in the spotlight.
Watch one of her final interviews below to glimpse the grace, humor, and soul that defined her legacy.
Rest in peace, Lulu.