The Music World Remembers Loretta Lynn, One of Country's Greatest Pioneers
Loretta Lynn, a ground-breaking pioneer for women in country music and the author of Coal Miner's Daughter, has died at the age of 90 at her home in Tennessee. The singer's family confirmed the news on social media, writing, "Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills."
Going from an impoverished childhood to becoming one of country music's biggest superstars, Loretta Lynn channeled her experiences growing up in coal country into 10 No. 1 albums, three Grammy Awards, a Kennedy Center honors, and a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1972, she was also the first woman awarded the Country Music Award for Entertainer of the Year. For nearly six decades, Lynn helped usher in a new voice in country music by speaking about issues such as abortion, infidelity, divorce, and women's liberation. Her songs often got her banned from the traditionally conservative country radio, but she remained the top-selling female country artist in the '60s and a close No. 2 to Dolly Parton in the '70s.
Songs such as "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)," "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)," and "Coal Miner's Daughter" would go on to inspire films such as Robert Altman's Nashville in 1975 and a Sissy Spacek-led biopic in 1980 aptly titled, Coal Miner's Daughter. Lynn told Esquire back in 2002. "I wasn't the first woman in country music. I was just the first one to stand up there and say what I thought, what life was about."
Tributes and remembrances to Loretta Lynn poured over social media following the news of her passing, from fellow-country music stars and fans alike. "She was an inspiration," singer-songwriter Carole King said on Twitter, while Blake Shelton sent "prayers to her family." Stella Parton, Dolly's younger sister, remembered the "visits and laughs" shared with her "sweet friend." Some messages even came from pioneering women in their own fields, such as Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter. "I am glad she was able to share her wisdom and talent with the world for as long as she did," Carter wrote. "We will miss her. R.I.P. Loretta Lynn." Below, we've rounded up some more sweet messages of love and condolences for one of country music's greatest acts. R.I.P. Loretta Lynn.
I am glad she was able to share her wisdom and talent with the world for as long as she did. We will miss her.
R.I.P. Loretta Lynn ❤️ https://t.co/afA7ppzNiH— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) October 4, 2022
My heart is broken with the news of my sweet friend Loretta Lynn passing. I will remember all the sweet visits and laughs we shared. RIP sweet Angel. pic.twitter.com/X5IqiD63an
— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) October 4, 2022
My heart is broken with the news of my sweet friend Loretta Lynn passing. I will remember all the sweet visits and laughs we shared. RIP sweet Angel. pic.twitter.com/X5IqiD63an
— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) October 4, 2022
Terrible news about Loretta Lynn passing away… Prayers to her family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) October 4, 2022
loretta lynn paved the way for so many of us women in country music. what a legacy she leaves behind 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/b92uVPjZoQ
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) October 4, 2022
Mom and I are saddened to hear about the loss of a true legend, @LorettaLynn. When dad passed, she said Country would never be the same without dad. It will definitely not be the same without the coal miner’s daughter. Rest in peace. - CD, Jr.& Hazel Daniels pic.twitter.com/ZZNHKbw3oU
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) October 4, 2022
RIP Loretta Lynn
One of the very best to ever do it.
I love all the hits, but the entire “Van Lear Rose” from 2004 is my favorite. The title song gets me every single time. pic.twitter.com/GzcaUJTneq— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) October 4, 2022
Today, all of Kentucky mourns the loss of our very own Loretta Lynn. She was a legend who blazed a trail in country music while telling the stories of Appalachia and Kentucky. She will be greatly missed, but her words and impact will live on forever. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) October 4, 2022
Listening to nothing but Loretta Lynn for the rest of the week. RIP to an absolute icon in country music. Damn.
— Parker McCollum (@ParkerMcCollum) October 4, 2022
We’ve lost a true Tennessee treasure today.
Loretta Lynn was a force to be reckoned with and a pioneer for women in country music.
My prayers are with her family and all who loved her dearly. She will be missed.— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) October 4, 2022
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
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