Lulu Roman, the 'Hee Haw' personality who went from drug-using comedic go-go dancer to gospel singer, has died in Bellingham, Wash., at age 78.

Lulu Roman, a gospel singer and longtime star of country music variety show "Hee Haw," has died, a close friend confirmed to USA TODAY on April 24. She was 78. Roman died April 23, in Bellingham, Washington,

"To all of you who feel her loss, know that her love was genuine and she is smiling down on you," her son Damon said in a statement.