Billy Graham's Daughter Anne Graham Lotz Resting In God's 'Sovereign Will' As Husband Danny Remains in ICU

By Leah Marieann Klett
Anne Graham Lotz
Anne Graham Lotz is the daughter of prominent evangelical preacher Billy Graham. Facebook/Anne Graham Lotz

Anne Graham Lotz, daugher of prominent evangelist Billy Graham, has said she is resting in God's "sovereign will" as her husband, former UNC basketball player Danny Lotz, remains in intensive care after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool at the couple's home.

"Thank you for your prayers as we walk through this valley of the shadow. Danny is holding his own. The next twenty-four hours are critical and should give us some answers," the popular speaker and author wrote in a Facebook update shared Tuesday afternoon.

She quoted Lamentations 3:21-23, which reads, "This I call to mind and therefore I have hope; Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning."

"God's faithfulness is great. We rest in His love and sovereign will," she concluded.

According to the Daily Mail, Lotz discovered her 78-year-old husband unresponsive in the swimming pool at their home in Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday afternoon.

Emergency crews from the Bay Leaf Fire Department reportedly responded to the scene and took the son-in-law of evangelist Billy Graham to a North Carolina hospital, where he remains in the intensive care unit, according to AnGeL Ministries, Lotz's organization.

At the time, Lotz shared an update on Facebook, writing, "[Danny] is currently in a hospital ICU receiving excellent care. There are no answers yet as to the outcome. The family is standing firm in faith, trusting Jesus. Thank you for your prayers."

Jim Young, who is a Graham family friend, told local media station WNCN that Lotz has suffered from diabetic seizures for the past several years, and is on dialysis, which has required hospital visits in the past. However, it remains unclear if his diabetes had anything to do with this near-drowning, Young said.

The couple was married in 1966 and have three adult children. Danny Lotz worked as a dentist in North Carolina and reportedly led a Bible study every Friday which was attended by 80-100 men in Raleigh.

He is also considered a "living legend" in North Carolina, as he played on the famed 1957 UNC basketball team that won a national championship. In February, he was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by the North Carolina governor, a prestigious award granted to citizens for extraordinary service to the state and local community. 

According to a report from Christianity Today, Lotz was cited for his outreach through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). 

As the Lotz family anxiously awaits answers, hundreds of people have taken to Facebook to share prayers and words of encouragement.

"May the Lord surround you and your precious husband with His loving arms of protection and give you all that you need during this difficult time. May His will be done for His glory. You are so loved and prayed for!" wrote Arlene Cratsa.

Added Kenny Stafford, "As you have lived so faithfully for Jesus ministering hope to a hurting and dying world even now during this time your faith is steadfast. May God surround you with His peace and strength. Prayers continue for you and your family!"