Loretta Lynn, the country music legend and coal miner’s daughter who famously was born in Butcher Hollow, Ky., is being mourned by the music world. The beloved singer and songwriter died today (Oct. 4, 2022), at age 90, at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. She had been in ill health for several years after a series of falls and then suffering a stroke in 2017. Among Lynn’s siblings is her much younger sister, Crystal Gayle.
Lynn‘s career spanned six decades, earning her every country music award imaginable. She was named Artist of the Decade for the ’70s by the Academy of Country Music and was selected as Female Vocalist of the Year by many organizations, most prominently the Country Music Association. Among her significant catalog of songs is 1970’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” The autobiographical song topped the country singles chart and became the basis for the 1980 film of the same name, which starred Sissy Spacek.
A statement from the family of Loretta Lynn.
“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.” The family of Loretta Lynn.
— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) October 4, 2022
The world lost a legend. We lost a sister.
Love you Loretta❤️🌺. @LorettaLynn pic.twitter.com/bQUEb87U4U— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) October 4, 2022
Watch her perform her autobiographical hit in the center of the country music universe
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) October 4, 2022
Willie Nelson wrote, “Loretta was a good friend and fantastically talented. She was a great writer, singer, and human being. I’ll miss her a lot.”
She was an inspiration.
R.I.P. Loretta Lynn ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VqwmkcOAqy— Carole King (@Carole_King) October 4, 2022
Very sad news this morning … LORETTA LYNN has gone home … Great Britain lost their Queen … now we have lost ours … Rest easy ma’am. You were loved all … 😢 #RIPLorretta pic.twitter.com/eUlgqVhNjF
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) October 4, 2022
My hero @LorettaLynn got her wings & it’s been a day filled with 😭. Thnking God above for blessing me w/ her music & guidance through the music world. I looked up 2 her always. We became bffs, she brought me 🌹 always and I brought 🌹 to her. Even named a 🐴 after her! ❤️ U4ever pic.twitter.com/KNG1nM3FNf
— Tanya Tucker (@tanyatucker) October 5, 2022
The feisty performer earned hits with such songs as “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man),” “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” and “Fist City.”
We are heartbroken to learn about the passing of @LorettaLynn, the Coal Miner’s Daughter. She inspired generations of female musicians & has forever left a mark on Country Music’s history. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family & loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/E1Eg3CS1XB
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) October 4, 2022
Related: Musicians that we’ve lost in 2022
The Band’s Levon Helm portrayed Lynn’s father in the Coal Miner’s Daughter feature film.
The news of @LorettaLynn’s passing just came across my news feed and time stopped. There will never be another like her. May she forever sing with the angels!! #lorettalynn pic.twitter.com/p3KPADswTt
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) October 4, 2022
We’re sure going to miss @LorettaLynn. What an amazing woman and so unbelievably talented. Very thankful she shared that with all of us fans. God bless all of the family. Rest in Peace Loretta. See you down the road. — gs pic.twitter.com/TxniY3Qmgs
— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) October 4, 2022
Terrible news about Loretta Lynn passing away… Prayers to her family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) October 4, 2022
Janie Fricke wrote, “I’ll always remember when Loretta Lynn and I shared a dressing room in California at Knott’s Berry Farm for the ACM – Academy of Country Music show – we talked about shoe shopping! It was so much fun – Great memories of a great lady! May she Rest In Peace!”
Thank you for always being that friend we could count on, Loretta Lynn. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QAlcZrZnNr
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) October 4, 2022
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1 Comment
The world lost a beautiful soul when Miss Loretta went Home. She is surrounded by family, and singing with angels… Always loved, always loved.. RIP, sweet lady.