Gospel music’s latest singing sensation Casey J has been keeping a low profile over the last week or so as she pondered the sudden passing of her beloved 85-year old grandmother Dorothy Mae “Dot” Choates who died on Sunday, September 20th after a brief illness.
“Over the last week, I’ve been away honoring the life and legacy of my beloved granny,” Casey J wrote in a Facebook posting this past weekend. “Although, it’s been an emotionally trying week, I’m so thankful for the time I was able to spend just being Casey – the granddaughter of such a phenomenal woman. From a young age, my grandmother planted the seed of worship in me, and she’s had a present hand in nurturing that seed which has grown into the woman and the worshipper I’ve become. I’ll be forever grateful for her role in my life and my ministry.”
Mrs. Choates was one of the highlights of the evening at Casey J’s “The Truth” (Marquis Boone/Tyscot) live recording this past January at the Fresh Start Church in Duluth, GA. She appeared with Casey J on a soul-stirring rendition of “No Not One,” one of the many hymns she taught the singer when she was a child. “I love the way they sing that song together,” says Jacquie Gales Webb of WHUR 96.3 FM in Washington, D.C. who’s been playing the song on her Sunday afternoon gospel program for months. “It’s a really touching moment but my only issue with the song is it’s too short.”
When she appeared on Webb’s program in June, Casey J giggled about the brevity of the 2:44 minute song. “You don’t know how many months it took for us to get Miss Dorothy Mae to do that little part.” Earlier this year, Casey J told Atlanta Journal & Constitution daily newspaper reporter Sheila Poole that it was Mrs. Choates’ basement revival meetings that sealed her spiritual and musical foundation when Casey J was a child.
“While it’s been healing and necessary for me to take this time away, I recognize the fact that I’ve missed a number of appearances; including an award show, interviews, ministry engagements and appointments,” Casey J said in the Facebook post. “Now that I’m slowly easing back into motion, I want to thank you all, for allowing me the time to devote to my granny. Your prayers and thoughts were warmly felt and immensely appreciated. Love NEVER fails, Casey J.” Visit www.caseyjmusic.com for more news and information.
