Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce "Dottie" Rambo, 74, passed away early Sunday after her tour bus ran off the highway and into an embankment. Seven other bus passengers were also injured in the accident on Interstate 44 near Mount Vernon, Missouri.
According to her website, the Nashville, Tenn. native was heading to a Mother's Day performance in Texas.
Rambo published more than 2,500 songs, including the gospel classics "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need" and "We Shall Behold Him." She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame the prior year.
Songs Rambo wrote were recorded by luminaries such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston and Barbara Mandrell.
"I know Dottie is in Heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed," Parton said. "Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer, songwriter and entertainer, and - as of late - my duet singing partner."
Happy Birthday, Dolly Parton! The superstar turns 63 today, with fans celebrating the news that she's set to play a show at home. Parton will take the stage at the Wildhorse Saloon on February 2 at a benefit for the W.O. Smith Nashville Community School, which provides music lessons for underprivileged children. 
