Lulu Roman, the beloved comedian and gospel singer best known for her role on the long-running country music variety show Hee Haw, has passed away at the age of 78. Roman died on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington, where she had relocated to live with her son, Damon Roman, just seven months prior. The cause of her death has not yet been determined.
Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, in a home for unwed mothers in Dallas, Texas, Roman faced significant hardships early in life. She was placed in an orphanage shortly after birth, which shaped her resilient character. As a child, she struggled with a thyroid condition that contributed to her weight issues, making her a target for teasing and bullying. Yet, it was this adversity that fueled her sense of humor, which she used as a defense mechanism throughout her upbringing.
Roman graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1964 and initially worked various jobs, including as a telephone operator and a go-go dancer. Her big break came when she joined the cast of Hee Haw in 1969, where her comedic timing, infectious laughter, and powerful singing voice quickly made her a fan favorite. She starred alongside country music legends like Roy Clark and Buck Owens, bringing joy to households every week and solidifying her place in television history.
However, Roman's journey was not without its struggles. In the early 1970s, she faced significant challenges, including multiple arrests for drug possession. In March 1971, she was sentenced to four years in prison after her drug-related arrest. Roman's life took a transformative turn when she became a devout Christian in 1973, which led to her return to Hee Haw. After her conversion, she insisted that one Christian song be performed in each episode, a request that the producers agreed to.
Throughout her time on Hee Haw, which continued until its cancellation in 1993, Roman reinvented herself as a gospel singer. She released over a dozen albums and collaborated with numerous artists, including Dolly Parton and George Jones. Her soulful voice and heartfelt performances earned her a Grammy nomination and multiple Dove Awards, including accolades from the Gospel Music Association.
Roman's albums, such as You Were There and Take Me There, showcased her ability to blend faith, hope, and personal testimony into music that uplifted and inspired. Her openness about her struggles and her journey to faith made her a beacon of hope for those facing their own challenges, and her concerts were often described as spiritual experiences filled with warmth and connection.
In 1999, Roman was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact on the genre. She also published her autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song, in 2019, where she shared her life experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
Despite her professional achievements, Roman's life was deeply defined by her love for her family. She was preceded in death by her son, Justin Collin Roman, who passed away on October 29, 2017. This loss profoundly shaped her perspective and deepened her faith. Roman often spoke of her sons as her greatest blessings, and her devotion to them was unwavering.
Friends and colleagues have been sharing their memories and tributes in the wake of her passing. Country music artist Lee Greenwood expressed his sorrow, stating, "So sorry to hear of Lulu Roman passing. I loved her joyful attitude! She always lifted everyone up and her voice will live on forever in the country music community. She was a legend in our industry and will be missed!"
Crystal Gayle, another country music star, shared, "I am saddened that Lulu Roman has passed. I have known Lulu since the beginning of my career and she has been a special friend ever since. It’s hard to say goodbyes. I will miss my old friend." T. Graham Brown, a longtime friend, added, "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?"
William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys reflected on Roman's character, stating, "Lulu was always so friendly with everyone. Even though she was a comedian, she had a deep faith and strength in life. What you saw was who she was. She was the same person on stage as she was off stage."
Roman's legacy is one of laughter, love, and faith. Her voice, both in song and in spirit, will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew her and the millions who adored her. While her sudden departure leaves a void, her light will shine on through her music, her laughter, and the countless lives she touched.
