Lulu Roman, Beloved ‘Hee Haw’ Star & Gospel Artist, Dies At 78
Lulu Roman. Photo: Jeremy Westby
Lulu Roman, the country and gospel music singer, comedian and beloved star of the long-running variety show Hee Haw, passed away on Tuesday (April 22) in Bellingham, Washington. She was 78.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Roman was born with a thyroid condition and placed in an orphanage at birth, facing significant early-life challenges on her path to becoming one of country entertainment’s most beloved figures. Before finding fame, she worked in Dallas nightclubs under the stage name “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer,” in venues owned by Jack Ruby.
In 1969, with the endorsement of country legend Buck Owens, Roman joined Hee Haw, where she quickly became known for her infectious laughter, impeccable comedic timing and soul-stirring vocals. She also starred in the Hee Haw spinoff Hee Haw Honeys, the stock car film Corky, and appeared in episodes of The Love Boat and Touched by an Angel.
Roman’s journey wasn’t without challenges. During her early years on Hee Haw, she struggled with drug addiction, which led to a temporary departure from the show in the early 1970s. Her eventual recovery and conversion to Christianity sparked a second act as a gospel artist. Her music career flourished, earning her a Grammy nomination and multiple Dove Awards. Albums like You Were There and Take Me There blended her powerful testimony with moving performances that brought hope and healing to listeners.
Over the years, Roman recorded more than a dozen albums and was inducted into both the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Christian Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, she released At Last, an album of musical standards featuring duets with Dolly Parton, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis and George Jones. She also shared her life story in her 2019 autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song.
Beyond music and television, Roman devoted her time to numerous charitable efforts, championing causes related to children’s welfare, heart health, and addiction recovery—deeply personal missions that reflected her own path to healing and redemption.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
