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BORN

1947

DIED

2015

Lynn Anderson Obituary

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lynn Anderson, whose strong, husky voice carried her to the top of the charts with "(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden," has died. She was 67.

A statement from the family said she passed away at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday. Her publicist said the cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Anderson first soaked up the national spotlight as a young singer on "The Lawrence Welk Show" between 1967 and 1969. Although she was signed to an independent label, the exposure helped her nab a deal with Columbia Records in Nashville.

"He was absolutely wholesome," she said of Welk in a 1987 interview with The Associated Press. "He felt country music was coming into its own and deserved to be on national TV. At that time, I was the only one singing country music on national TV every week. He's one of my heroes and always will be."

And it was "Rose Garden" that sealed her country music legacy, earning her a Grammy and Country Music Association's female vocalist of the year award in 1971.

"It was popular because it touched on emotions," she told the AP. "It was perfectly timed. It was out just as we came out of the Vietnam years and a lot of people were trying to recover.

"This song stated that you can make something out of nothing. You take it and go ahead. It fit me well and I'll be proud to be connected to it until I die."

She made television appearances with such stars as Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, John Wayne and Tom Jones and she performed for presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan. She was also in episodes of the TV show "Starsky and Hutch" and in the 1982 TV movie "Country Gold."

Anderson's other hits included, "Rocky Top," ''You're My Man," ''How Can I Unlove You," ''What a Man, My Man Is" and "Top of the World" (also recorded by the Carpenters).

She returned briefly to the country Top 10 with a Gary Morris duet in 1983, "You're Welcome to Tonight."

Country star Reba McEntire lauded her accomplishments Thursday.

"She did so much for the females in country music," McEntire said in a statement. "Always continuing to pave the road for those to follow."

Dolly Parton also said she'd be missed.

"Lynn is blooming on God's Rose Garden now. We will miss her and remember her fondly," Parton said in a statement.

She was born Sept. 26, 1947, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, but raised in Sacramento, California. The daughter of country songwriters Casey and Liz Anderson, she started performing at the age of 6.

Anderson was an award-winning equestrian as a teenager, voted California Horse Show Queen in 1966.

In her later years she lived in Taos, New Mexico, where she faced a number of legal problems. A Taos judge issued a restraining order in 1995 against Anderson after her boyfriend said she had threatened him following the end of their 12-year relationship.

In 2005, Anderson was accused of shoplifting a "Harry Potter" DVD from a Taos supermarket and then punching a police officer as she was being put into a patrol car. She later pleaded no contest to obstructing an officer and was given a conditional discharge, court records show.

The year before, Anderson was arrested on drunken-driving charge in Texas, the same week she was nominated for a Grammy for a bluegrass album.

She is survived by her father, her partner Mentor Williams and her children, Lisa Sutton, Melissa Hempel and Gray Stream.

____

KRISTIN M. HALL, Associated Press

Associated Press reporter Russell Contreras reporting from Albuquerque, New Mexico contributed to this story.


Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jul. 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Lynn Anderson

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367 Entries

Charles

September 28, 2024

I met Lynn at the CMA fest she was just the sweetest person you ever met she always had a smile on her face and she gave me and signed picture and told me thank you for loving my music

Gary Hoetker

July 2, 2021

Lynn's hugely successful career covered decades. I believe her very best work were her earliest traditional country recordings released in the 1960's for Chart Records, especially the ballads. Listen to "In Person", " Tear By Tear" and "Its' Only Lonely Me" and you'll know what I mean. Lynn, along with he mother and father were pure genius. Thank you for the joy you brought to millions people through out the world. RIP !!!

Joe DeHoyos

May 28, 2020

RIP Lynn Anderson ✝
Me and my parents loved your song, I never promised you a rose garden. Thanks for your contribution to American country music. My condolences to the family and friends of Lynn Anderson for your loss.

Kay Collins

August 22, 2018

My mom and I went on a Country Cruise in 1990. I met Lynn Anderson, got her autograph, and picture. My mom at that time had cancer and wanted to go a cruise before she passed away. So I granted her wish with this wonderful cruise. Thank you for being so sweet & kind to us.

Sandra Gibbs

August 21, 2018

Ms lynn your probably in a beautiful rose garden now for sure. Thanks for all the wonderful music. God bless your family and I pray for them all to seek god for strength. Rip lynn

Linda Puzzolo

July 7, 2018

I always associate rose garden with my mom. But both her and Lynn are gone now.may they sing together in the sky

Thomas & Libby Widgeon

January 31, 2018

Sorry For Your Loss!

Kenneth Sauer

June 12, 2017

I was actually shocked to find out that
Lynn had died. I had the wonderful honor
of meeting her, in person, at a show that
she put on a Western Oregon University in
Monmouth, Oregon about 6 years ago. I took
along my 45rpm copy of " Rose Garden " with
the hopes of getting her to sign it. After
the show I waited outside the stage door for her to come out. To my great surprise,
she came out the door and looked right at
me. I asked her if she would sign my copy
of " Rose Garden " and she did---with my
pen.She was very gracious and even gave
me a hug! ( My wife wasn't to thrilled
about that! But I will remember that mom-
ent forever!! She will be very much
missed. Ken Sauer

Gwen

October 26, 2016

R.I.P.MS. ANDERSON.
HEART FELT CONDOLENCES TO HER FAMILY, FRIENDS.
& FANS OF THE SONG BIRD.

theresa

September 12, 2016

I saw her at Tom Andersons wedding in about 1970's Tom's father Jake Anderson was a first cousin to Lynn Anderson.I am first cousin with Tom Anderson I still listen to her. Theresa duncan

kitty austin

July 23, 2016

i met lynn anderson in toledo back in the early 70's. I went backstage and she was coming out of her dressing room and greeted me with the warmest smile-also had a beautiful complection- should have had my picture taken with her, now i regret it. Wonderful lady.

Mary Thompson

April 6, 2016

She will be miss

February 18, 2016

I met Lynn Anderson on a country cruise in 1990. She was so sweet and made me feel so comfortable around her. I was shocked when I saw her picture at the 58th Grammy memorandum.
Love and rest in peace Miss Anderson. A loving fan

BILL Dawkins

February 14, 2016

SHE WAS SUCH A SWEET LADY WITH A GREAT VOICE SHE SINGS WITH THE ANGLES IN HEAVEN FOR EVER

Edward Fitzgerald

February 9, 2016

Wow so sad to find out her passing will miss her strong voice that I loved when country music was real and now will never be replaced rest in peace your beloved fan thekowboy4

February 3, 2016

Lynn. Will. Be. Missed

Mrs maggie Collinson

January 6, 2016

My Heart Is Full Of sorrow
Lynn Was My Family I Miss Her
She Was A Wonderful Lady
She Now Is In the Rose Garden In The Sky.
And She Will Shine In Our Hearts Always
And To All Her Fans Out their thank you
for Keeping Her Memory Going. and to Dolly Pardon She Loved And Barbra Mandrel Brenda Lee And All Her Friends In Country Music Bless you.
And To Her Children May God Bless Them Always In This New Year Of Jan 2016
Love Always Lynn Will Be In My Heart Forever. Mrs. Maggie Collinson

October 28, 2015

So sorry to have read of the passing of Lynnn Anderson. I remember watching and enjoyed the Lawrence Welk Show. Such talent. May the Almighty God comfort and sustain you.

Randy Carlson

October 21, 2015

I had the great honor of meeting Lynn in Las Vegas several years ago, She impressed me so much with her love and laughter.. and of course put on a wonderful show! She put her arms around me and gave me a big kiss on the cheek. My pictures from that day are a special treasure to me and I will always think the world of her. I am so sad and was hoping to see her again. Maybe I will!! Blessings to her family.

jennibea frye

September 25, 2015

I metlynn Anderson at the opry.i miss her so much.will always love you.enjoy your rose garden

Patricia Edwards

September 22, 2015

Another angel has spread her wings.Bless her sweet soul and family.

tina jenkins

September 17, 2015

awesome lady

August 28, 2015

I am very sorry for your loss. I know God will help you to endure because he cares for you. ( 1Peter 5 : 7 )

Vickie Sketoe

August 24, 2015

R.I.P.you will be missed. My mom song your songs to me when I was a little girl.

Paul Pierce

August 18, 2015

What a wonderful lady. I got to meet and talk with her in Pigeon forge Tn. R. I. P. My Friend

Dianne

August 17, 2015

"I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" was one of my favorites. Its words were full of meaning, and the song was always sung so well. Lynn can sleep peacefully now and experience no more pain. Surely she will be awakened in the promised Paradise. My condolences to her loved ones!

Maddox Family

August 17, 2015

now there is a Wonerful Angle walking in a Beautiful Rose Garden Rest in Peace Lynn may GOD be with you

Lorie Barnes

August 16, 2015

Your Spirit lives on in our hearts I will never forget your voice and Spirit as you sang Rose Garden that I grew up listening to

August 13, 2015

Lynn was an awesome singer she will be grealy missed. may she rest in Peaceand may God be with her family and friends in this sad time of need. Tina Freeman( Decatur Il.)

billy maggard

August 12, 2015

what a lady lynn Anderson may tha lord bless your family I was at Higgins Texas 10 years old when I heard your song rose garden playing on a jutbox at the Goldon Spread café at Higgins Texas loved her she was the best country singer

Linda Paulsen

August 11, 2015

Will always remember talking and sitting in the horse show ring in Sacramento as teenagers waiting for others to go in our trail classes and then seeing you sing at Tahoe the first time with Lawrence Welk, what a mental trip.....So happy that your hopes and aspirations were met and that you had such a great singing and equestrian career and a great family too....The lord has taken you way too soon old friend.....Prayers for all your family, loved ones and friends, you will truly be missed.

Joanne Peterson

August 10, 2015

May the fond memories you have of your time together with Lynn, ease the pain you now have in your heart.. My thoughts and prayers are with you...

Rosco Leonard

August 8, 2015

I think of one of your greatest songs "All the King's Horses". I wish they could return you. Rest in peace, amazing artist and lady.

August 8, 2015

AGAIN I LIKE TO SAY HOW MUCH I ENJOYED HER SINGING I'LL AWAYS REMEMBER HOW NICE SHE WAS TO ME THE LAST TIME I SAW HER AND WILL MISS HER. A GREAT LADY GOD BLESS YOU MISS LYNN AND HAPPY TRAILS TEXAS JIM KNIGHT.

Isaiah 61:2

August 8, 2015

No words can express how sorry I am for the loss of one of the greatest. You have my sympathy. My petition is that God comforts all those who already miss her presence and grant you peace during this difficult time in life.

Gregg Proteaux

August 7, 2015

I will never forget you singing "I've Never Loved Anyone More" to me in the lobby. You are the best and will be missed by many. Enjoy the heavenly roses!

Joy

August 7, 2015

To all who love & miss you, remember that life is a tiny flower, lent, not given, to bud on Earth & bloom in Heaven! That must be some rose garden!

REGINA &MARTHA SHELTON

August 7, 2015

To:Anderson family,

Lynn Anderson rest in peace.

tina leger

August 7, 2015

May God bless all,

bunnie mills

August 7, 2015

One more is missing here tonight and we are all sad but i bet she brightened up Heven when she was met, i only knew
Her mom, liz who sang so sweet also and who wrote so
many beautiful hits for Merle Haggard
,and others, My My what A
REUNION,I know i will be there
One day to join them,
CAsey i said a prayer for you
and the family today
Just remember God will help
you and the family thru this,,,,
Bunnie Mills C&W,
Ps lynn thanks for leaveing us
So many pretty songs to listento and treasure,

August 6, 2015

She will be so missed my deepest sympathy to her family she is with Jesus and her mom prayers to them all

August 6, 2015

Lynn- You were so gracious to me early in my career and I enjoyed the many times we crossed paths later on. I hope you are riding the hills of Heaven on your favorite horse. Vaya con Dios! Holly Dunn

Mary Knapp

August 6, 2015

Will miss this wonderful lady
Her music will live on.

Gayle

August 6, 2015

Lynn Anderson was my favorite female singer, what a voice. She will be missed.

TENNESSEE TOMLIN

August 6, 2015

YOU ARE NOW AND FOR EVERY SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD
RICHARD AND TENNESSEE TOMLIN

August 6, 2015

YOU ARE NOW SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD
TENNESSEE MICHAEL/RICHARD TOMLIN

August 6, 2015

dear sweet LYNN how kind and sweet and dear the world is a much better place because you had lived in it and oh my what you got done in 67 years you left your mark
all the love we have to send
TENNESSEE MICHAEL/RICHARD TOMLIN

Deborah & Manuel Pombo

August 5, 2015

Prayers to the family.

Deborah & Manuel Pombo

August 5, 2015

Condolences to Lynn's family. She had a lovely voice.

Rene Lindsey

August 5, 2015

a veryyy beautiful songbird lays at rest.
soo grateful she shared her gift with us.
May God surround you, her family and friends, with comfort and peace and soften your mournings with thee most treasured memories of this legendary sweetheart.

August 5, 2015

I was a kid when I never promised you a rose garden came out I had to have that record.Ill miss you.

eva richey

August 5, 2015

To gray, my heart and prayers are with you From. Mom at lonnies.. Call me if you need to talk

Randy Gass

August 5, 2015

Im lighting a candle to remember this great lady. I grew up on her music and enjoyed them all.So sad to know she has left us. Now she can go and sing with all the other greats who have passed on. My thought go out to the family. R.i.p. Lynn. You well be so missed.

Sybil Ponder

August 5, 2015

Will always remember you calling me Sis on my Birthday. We enjoyed you belonging to our family. And we are still enjoying Lisa, my niece, God Bless You Always. Sybil and family.Pearl, Ms

August 5, 2015

I will Miss forever the friendship that we have had through the years. Thanks for being a friend and for all the wonderful music that you shared with the world. Love Cindy

Jodi McCarthy

August 5, 2015

What a wonderful angel that Heaven now has. She will be so sadly missed here on Earth, and I will love her and treasure her music until the day that I die and join her in Heaven. My heart goes out to her family at this time of such great loss.

Christine

August 5, 2015

God Bless you. Thank you for all the beautiful music. You will be missed and remembered.

Patricia Presley

August 5, 2015

So sad that we have lost another legend in the music business! I am going to miss Lynn Anderson and her sweet smile! Thank you for letting me have the privilege of taking pictures of you throughout the years working with Country Weekly, and all the other publications that did articles on Lynn! You were always so special to work with! Blessings to her Dad Casey, Mentor Williams, and her loving children, and grandchildren! God has another angel joining the angel band!!
Patricia Presley, Photographer

Karen Walka

August 5, 2015

Rest easy sweet lady. You will be missed. Your music will live on forever! May you forever walk on rose petals XXOOXX


Love
Karen And Roger Walka

Al Krtil

August 5, 2015

It is through the Western Music Association that a long lasting friendship with the Anderson family has developed. Lynn now joins Liz in eternal peace, and my thoughts and prayers are with Casey and family. I hope Lynn's new album will be sent to me (for airplay) - this will preserve Lynn's legacy in the Western Music world.

Steve Koehler

August 5, 2015

We here on earth are sad at Lynn's passing but Heaven is a little sweeter now that another angel has joined the choir. I've loved Lynn's music for many many years now and will continue to enjoy it for the rest of my life. My thoughts and prayers to her family as they go through this difficult time

Mary Brandwein

August 5, 2015

Rest in peace Lynn, you music will live on forever.

Patti LARE

August 5, 2015

I HAVE read most of condolence that has been wrote about our great Lady of country music and there is no more to say except I hope George and johnney have got that rose garden ready for there best friend so I leave u with RIP. AND TO THE FAMILY GOD BLESS U and my heart goes out to each one of u because she loved each one of u so stay strong because that is what she would want. SO GOD BLESS U LYNN FOREVER.

August 5, 2015

So sorry for the loss of this talented woman. But especially sad for the family and friends who have lost someone so dear to them. Its a difficult time but may God bring you comfort and peace to face the future with hope and love. Act 24:15

Margo O'Donnell

August 5, 2015

A beautiful songbird taken from our world too soon. I know her Mother Liz Anderson (R.I.P.) wrapped her arms around her and now Lynn is safe in Heaven. Rest in Peace Lynn, I will never forget you

Matthew maestas

August 5, 2015

Miss Lynn

Matthew maestas

August 5, 2015

sad know that good friend pass on Friday great country woman pass on Friday .rip laynn

matthew maestas

August 5, 2015

Rip Lynn may u have fun with Jesus miss u c soon .

Pat Mandia

August 5, 2015

Lynn had a beautiful, unique voice that could uplift anyone. She was beautiful inside and out, a sweet, kind person with a great sense of humor. Lynn, thank you for all of the many interviews you did with me when I wrote articles featuring you for Country Weekly and other magazines. Most of all, thank you for your friendship for the past 23 years. I'll miss you! All my sympathy and love to Casey, Mentor, Lisa, Gray, Melissa, and Michael.

Jill Cline

August 4, 2015

For Lynn's family:
I cried when I saw this news last week. And at a gathering of mutual friends, we held a minute of silence for her that night. I am so privileged to have known the real Lynn - not the famous Lynn. She made me hamburgers and endame one night when we were discussing a book together, and my daughter remembers her coming to one of her softball games in Taos. May God Bless her and keep her as she trudges the road to happy destiny. Light and Love to you all. Jill

Jacqueline Hoenig

August 4, 2015

She's in God's hands now but I'd like to thank him for the time she had on earth. What a super talented lady. Thank you for making all of our lives brighter with your beautiful voice. To the family and friends, my deepest sympathy. She's gone but will never be forgotten and loved.

Denise McLean

August 4, 2015

Lisa and family,
So sorry for the loss of your mom. I will always cherish the moments we were able to talk to her and her beautiful shoes.
Denise and Aaron

Debbie Cool

August 4, 2015

I've enjoyed your music for years, It brings back so many good memories. You were such a great talent, so sorry you had to leave us. The Music will live on in our hearts. You were such a beautiful lady and will be missed. I'm sure your are singing in the Rose Garden in Heaven with all the other Country greats. Sympathy to your Family. Debbie Cool ( Cowen,WV)

Charlien Hebert

August 4, 2015

Lynn was so special, not just in her beautiful music that she shared but also for her huge heart and extensive acts of kindness. She effortlessly made so many people feel so special including me. I'll always be thankful for her friendship and she will be greatly missed ... especially our DWTS critique tweets!! I hope I can honor her memory by always living life with the enthusiasm she had and giving more each day as she always did!! Fly high to the Heavens, sweet Lynn!! Deepest sympathy to Casey, Mentor, Lisa, Melissa, Gray, Michael, and all her loved ones!!

Marlene East

August 4, 2015

We are so sorry for the loss of a very good country singer may Lynn Anderson rest in peace

Susan Jaggers

August 4, 2015

Your music will remain in my heart forever. You have just added another place called Heaven in your song I everywhere man crossed the desert and sand man now your in Heaven man.

August 4, 2015

I'LL ALWAYS REMBER THAT SHE REMBER LITTLE OLD ME. SHE WILL BE MISTED I WISH I HAD KNOWN HER BETTER LOVE YOU ALWAYS FROM TEXASJIM KNIGHT.

Jacqueline stringer

August 4, 2015

Thankyoufor being,one,best female country music singers may u rip.

Susan Story

August 4, 2015

A gorgeous lady, great talent. As a girl growing up in the Virginia mountains, I always thought you were the most beautiful woman in the world. I have always admired you so. You have left an empty space in the lives of many. Even in the midst of my tears, I am happy for you to take your place among the other angels. You are forever in our hearts, beautiful Lynn.

linda fugate

August 4, 2015

rest in peace dear lady..you will be missed always in my heart will keep your music playing always

August 4, 2015

Thanks for the memories sweet friend..RIP

Shirley Jones

August 4, 2015

I met you a few times when you came to Ireland.
What a wonderful talent and beauty.. I was a friend of your Mum Liz and of your Dad Casey to.
Now there are two Angels in Heaven to watch over Casey
R.I.P. Lynn

Kay Reckord Ames

August 4, 2015

Thank you for all your great music. Thanks to your family for sharing you with everyone. You left us, your fans, with great memories as well. I guess the Lord needed you to help with the Angel choir. RIP dear lady.

Kay Reckord Ames

August 4, 2015

A great singer and performer who has left us much too early. I remember her well on the Lawrence Welk show and her ("I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden" is one of my all-time favorites. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, but she won't be forgotten. She had a great smile and bubbly personality that will live on along with her music. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Hold tight to all the great memories she left with you.

Joann McGrady

August 4, 2015

One of the queens of country music and a legend.

DONNA CHAPEL

August 4, 2015

Always loved.her music and energy on stage..she was one of the best!

August 4, 2015

As a growing farm boy back in the 40s through to 50s, I listened to country music on KMON Great Falls, MT. There I got introduced to Lynn Anderson and her wonderful singing. I will always remember her. Rest well.

George T. Kondo, Sturgeon County, Alberta Canada

Georgina Murray

August 4, 2015

My deepest sympathy and condolences to everyone mourning the loss of Lynn R Anderson whose voice was silenced much too soon. She was beautiful and talented as well so it doesn't get much better than that. Now her "trials' are finally over so may she rest in peace! May God rest her soul!!

Pam Lynn

August 4, 2015

Lynn Anderson was one of the all time greats! She will be missed. I grew up listening to her music. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Kathleen Cahill

August 4, 2015

My Sympathy and Prayers to Lynn's Family and Friends. May She Rest In Peace.

Bethany Jade Foyle

August 4, 2015

I'm only 16! I always planned on meting you Lynn when I was old enough to travel alone. Now I'll never get that chance. I'll meet you again someday! I miss you so much already. God was walking the rose garden and chose the prettiest flower there and that was you Lynn. Thank you for all the musical memories. I'll promise I'll keep your music alive! Love you Lyn. Xxxx

Clarence and Jerri Mott

August 4, 2015

Your incredible smile and music will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Casey.

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