Loretta Lynn, one of country music’s biggest trailblazers over her decades-spanning career, died on Tuesday morning (October 4). She was 90.
The heartbreaking announcement, confirmed by Lynn’s family, prompted an outpouring of tributes from some of the biggest stars in the genre, many of whom knew Lynn and/or were inspired by her music. Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, LeAnn Rimes, the Oak Ridge Boys and many others are mourning the death of the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” legend.
“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 [Grand Ole Opry]. Now she really is a Honky Tonk Angel,” Pearce wrote in a tweet on Tuesday. She also shared a memory on her Instagram story, remembering Lynn's tweet on August 4, 2021: “Even before I heard [Carly Pearce] singing her song ‘Dear Miss Loretta’, I knew she was going to be a big star. Nobody loves the [Grand Ole Opry] more than me and I’m proud they made her part of the family.”
Parker McCollum also expressed his heartache by the loss of one of country music’s most influential artists: “Listening to nothing but Loretta Lynn for the rest of the week. RIP to an absolute icon in country music. Damn.”
"The story of Loretta Lynn's life is unlike any other, yet she drew from that story a body of work that resonates with people who might never fully understand her bleak and remote childhood, her hardscrabble early days, or her adventures as a famous and beloved celebrity. 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 of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement.
Lainey Wilson shared her condolences on her Instagram story, knowing that “country music wouldn’t be the same” without Lynn’s music. Other artists, including Hillary Scott, Jake Owen, Hannah Ellis, Hailey Whitters, Jessie James Decker, Tyler Hubbard, Tim McGraw, Maddie & Tae and many more also took to their Instagram stories to pay tribute to Lynn.
“She was an iconic legend and did things the way she wanted. I am so bless to call her friend. I miss u already Loretta. Love u. And rest now u angel,” Rucker wrote, sharing a sweet photo of the two of them locked in an embrace. Rimes exclaimed, “oh, sweet loretta lynn… what a life! what an icon! what a trailblazer! what a beautiful soul! may she rest peacefully with the angels. my heart is with her family and friends.”
See many of the heartfelt tributes to Loretta Lynn here: