Country Music Sensation Lynn Anderson Dies From Heart Attack At 67
Country music star Lynn Anderson passed away on Thursday from a heart attack at age 67.
The legendary singer died in Nashville at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, according to a statement made by her rep to Billboard. The spokeswoman also shared that Anderson had recently been suffering from pneumonia.
Lynn Anderson, the country star behind “Rose Garden,” has died at 67: http://t.co/8wwAqwpjY6
— billboard (@billboard) July 31, 2015
The music icon became legendary when she held the “Top Grossing Song by a Female Artist” title for 27 years with her 60s hit single, “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden.” She was also the first female country artist to sell out New York City’s Madison Square Garden in 1974.
Billboard named Anderson “Artist of the Decade” for 1970-1980, and she was also notable for her numerous Country Music Association awards, American Music Association awards, and a People’s Choice Award in 1975 for “Favorite Country Artist.”
Numerous country stars spoke highly of their friend and fellow musician on Twitter.
I’m going to miss a good friend, Lynn Anderson. My thoughts & prayers are with her family. She was one of my… http://t.co/lOyf4ItV8Y — Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) July 31, 2015
We’ve lost another Icon in country music. I shared the stage with Lynn Anderson on numerous occasions. RIP. pic.twitter.com/W5egJqNiDb
— Tracy Lawrence (@tracy_lawrence) July 31, 2015
In addition to being a country music legend, Lynn Anderson was also highly dedicated to philanthropy, working with charities such as Roundup for Autism and the Cariety Foundation for cancer patients. Anderson raised both awareness and funds for many different organizations, with contributions reaching into the millions.
“I’ve been so blessed in my life that things have kind of seemed to fall in place for me,” the star said shortly before her death in an interview with Billboard. “I just have to keep on the right path, and not jaunt off to the left or the right.”
That “path” seems to have been sticking true to her warm heart, as well as her faith. She recently released a Gospel album, Bridges, through Center Sound Records, and which was met with much enthusiasm by the star’s loyal fans.
My new lyric video for “Drift Away Gospel” is now up on @YouTube! Watch here: https://t.co/NErR0bHIJM @CSrecords #Bridges #countrymusic
— Lynn Anderson (@LynnAshow) July 29, 2015
Thank you @LynnAShow for your contributions to country music and making it such an amazing genre. Rest in peace in your rose garden. xoxo
— Lovin’ Lyrics (Jenn) (@lovinlyrics) July 31, 2015
Of her new album, Anderson was especially touched and proud of the song, “Wanderer’s Pray,” of which she also spoke about in what would become one of her last interviews.
“I love how the lyrics speak of asking the Lord to keep me in the right direction,” the singer said. “That’s where the song hits me.”
[Photo via Peter Kramer / Getty Images]
