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.
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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
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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
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Celebrating the life of Loretta Lynn. One of my highest honors was being joined by her and George Jones on a song I wrote called “Country Music Has The Blues”. She handed me this wonderful gift on that day. #lorettalynn pic.twitter.com/xUF4IVQMKe
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) October 4, 2022
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It’s safe to say I wouldn’t even be making country music today if it weren’t for Loretta Lynn. She showed me up what it looked like to be a musician and a mama. Her writing was as real as the day is long. This one hurts on another level. I’ll miss her forever. pic.twitter.com/xpQZwp4TnB
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) October 4, 2022
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There was no one like Loretta. She was a trailblazer for the genre and a role model for so many young women…. My wife and our daughters included. Sending our love to her family and all of those grieving today. @LorettaLynn pic.twitter.com/kmMZHt2FHW
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) October 4, 2022
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Terrible news about Loretta Lynn passing away… Prayers to her family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) October 4, 2022
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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
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Working with our friend Loretta Lynn was unforgettable. Not only was she a country music legend, but when she joined us on The Muppet Show, she proved she was game for almost anything – even putting on an entire show at a train station! Thanks for the music and memories, Loretta.
— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) October 4, 2022
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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
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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
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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
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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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So sad to hear of the passing of @LorettaLynn. She was always an inspiration to those of us grew up listening to and loving real country music. Her kindness, strength and devotion to country music and her fans will be deeply missed. They don’t make ‘em like her anymore. pic.twitter.com/mkSGLqM7u0
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) October 4, 2022
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Smiling at the memory of Loretta Lynn’s final performance, at her 87th birthday in 2019.
She initially declined to sing.
But as the crowd fawned over “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Loretta said “Let me have that damned mic” 😂😂 and treated us one last time! ❤️🎶 RIP!
— Ian Saint (@iansaint_) October 4, 2022
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None of us women in country music could be where we are without her and the paths Loretta Lynn paved. Sending all of my love to her family, friends, and the whole country music family 🖤 pic.twitter.com/vFUNh46xUV
— TENILLE ARTS (@TenilleArts) October 4, 2022
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“Legend” or “Icon”seem like words too small to describe her! She was both and so much more. Her voice and unapologetic truth in song and life made her a hero to so many. RIP Loretta Lynn — photos are from our last CMT interview in April 2019. pic.twitter.com/4neo8AIXsB
— Cody Alan (@CodyAlan) October 4, 2022
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News hits hard with the passing of Loretta Lynn. Her evocative music. Her fierce spirit. A storyteller who used song to channel an America that is quickly vanishing. She was a coal miner’s daughter who sparkled like a diamond — brilliant, unbreakable, and resplendent.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) October 4, 2022
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i’ll never forget when i was told that Loretta Lynn asked if i could sing at her benefit show at the Opry to support flood victims last yr.
she paved a path for women in country music & was kind to new artists. what an honor to witness this in my lifetime. rest well, queen🙏🏾💔— Brittney Spencer (@BrittNicx) October 4, 2022
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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
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Loretta Lynn was one of my favorite songwriters ever. A huge influence on my own writing. Her records from the 60’s and 70’s still shine amongst the best country records ever as was her “comeback” record Van Lear Rose. Her singing was as soulful as anyone ever. RIP.
— Drive-By Truckers (@drivebytruckers) October 4, 2022
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“Loretta Lynn’s life was unlike any other, yet she drew from it a body of work that resonates with people everywhere. In a music business that is often concerned with aspiration and fantasy, Loretta insisted on sharing her own brash and brave truth.”
—Kyle Young, CEO pic.twitter.com/pSJlkzT9aD
— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) October 4, 2022
Josh Rosenberg is an entertainment writer living in Brooklyn, keeping a steady diet of one movie a day; his past work can be found at CBR, Spin, Insider, and on his personal blog at Roseandblog.com.
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