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"I know Dottie is in Heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed." -Dolly Parton

(Mount Vernon, MO)—The Associated Press (AP) has reported that Joyce "Dottie" Rambo, an influential Gospel singer and songwriter, died early Sunday (May 11) when her tour bus ran off the highway and struck an embankment. She was 74.

The AP stated that seven other people on the bus were injured in the wreck, about two miles east of Mount Vernon on Interstate 44, the Missouri Highway Patrol said. They were hospitalized in Springfield with moderate to severe injuries, according to the patrol.

It was unclear whether the crash was related to the severe storms and tornadoes that hit the region on Saturday. Storms also swept through the area later in the night, according to the National Weather Service.

Rambo, of Nashville, Tenn., was on her way to a Mother's Day performance in Texas, according to her website.

"She was a giant in the Gospel music industry," said Beckie Simmons, Rambo's agent. "Dolly Parton recorded some of her songs."

The AP said that Parton sent condolences to "everyone involved in this terrible tragedy."

"I know Dottie is in Heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed," Parton said in a statement. "Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer, songwriter and entertainer, and as of late my duet singing partner."

Rambo was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame last year and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Rambo has had more than 2,500 published songs, including Gospel classics such as He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need, and the 1982 Gospel Music Association Song of the Year, We Shall Behold Him.

Singing News said that early reports indicate that the accident was "weather-related", and that several other passengers aboard the bus were also injured. The family was notified that the accident happened near Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Manager Larry Ferguson was still unconscious and had two broken legs.

Updated Information from Missouri authorities on Dottie Rambo
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.

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