Renowned country singer Loretta Lynn passed away at the age of 90. The singer-songwriter died on October 4 at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Lynn had a six decade long career and was fondly known as the Queen of Country.
Lynn was an inspiration for many, as she rose from poverty to being the most awarded female recorded artist in country music. Continue reading to know more about the star’s life and career.
Loretta Lynn Dies at 90
The singer’s family confirmed her demise with a statement that read, “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 further requested privacy at this moment of grief. A memorial service will be held soon.
The Governor of Kentucky has now paid tribute to Lynn with a post on Twitter. He tweeted, “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.”
Fellow country artist Dolly Parton also expressed grief over her friend’s passing. She wrote, “We’ve been like sisters all the years we’ve been in Nashville and she was a wonderful human being, wonderful talent, had millions of fans and I’m one of them. I miss her dearly as we all will. May she rest in peace.”
Singer Carly Pearce tweeted, “She showed us all how to unapologetically tell the truth. One of the greatest there ever will be. I’ll be singing “Dear Miss Loretta” with a little extra love tonight at the @opry Now she really is a Honky Tonk Angel”
Lynn had an Impoverished Childhood
Loretta was born in Butcher Holler, Kentucky April 14, 1932. Her father was a coal miner who died of black lung disease at the age of 52, a fact that was the inspiration behind her 1970’s hit song Coal Miner’s Daughter. She was the second of eight children, and her younger sister Brenda Gail also went on to become a country star.
Loretta got married at the age of 15 to Oliver Lynn, who was a moonshiner and an Army veteran. The couple had four children together. It was her husband who encouraged her to take up singing and bought her a guitar. Lynn then started performing in local clubs and was discovered by Norm Burley, the owner of Vancouver-based label Zero Records.
The Singer was a Three-Time Grammy Winner
In 1960, Loretta released her first single, I’m a Honky-Tonk Girl, which reached the country top 20 charts. She then signed on with record label Decca and went on to release several albums in the next two decades, dominating the charts. In 1993, she collaborated with Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette for the album Honky Tonk Angels.
During her career, Lynn was nominated for the Grammys 18 times and ended up winning the award thrice. In 2016, she released the album, Full Circle, which featured her collaborations with Willie Nelson and Elvis Costello. The album debuted at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 200. Her last and 50th album, Still Woman Enough, was released in 2021.
Loretta Lynn’s contribution to country music will surely be remembered. May her soul rest in peace!