Photo: Getty Images
Loretta Lynn’s public memorial service is set to take place at the Grand Ole Opry later this month, with some of country music’s biggest artists performing tributes to the late legend during the ceremony.
CMT, working with Sandbox Productions, unveiled plans to honor Lynn with the Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn memorial service, hosted by Jenna Bush Hager. It’s set to air live from the Grand Ole Opry House on CMT on Sunday, October 30, beginning at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT. Lynn’s memorial will air again on Wednesday, November 2 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, and on Sunday, November 6 at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT. Viewers can also stream it on Paramount+ early next year. Some members of the general public will be able to attend Lynn’s memorial service, though limited tickets are available, CMT noted.
The star-studded list of performers and others set to make appearances include, among others: Barbara Mandrell, Crystal Gayle, Darius Rucker, Emmy Russell & Lukas Nelson, Faith Hill, George Strait, The Highwomen’s Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby with Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna Judd.
“We are truly honored to work closely alongside Loretta’s family to create a celebration of life fit for a true queen of country music, Loretta Lynn,” CMT producers said in a statement. “She was a true original, a woman who always sang from her heart, never shied away from challenging the status quo, and blazed the path forward for her fellow female artists. From her firecracker spirit and signature musicality to her unmistakable country style and unparalleled authenticity, we look forward to honoring her in the best way we know how: sharing stories and songs with her family, friends and the legions of fans she loved dearly.”
Lynn died earlier this month at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. She was 90. The country music legend’s family shared in a heartfelt statement that morning: “Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.”
Lynn was born on April 14, 1932 in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. The singer-songwriter was known for “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Fist City” and other songs, making history as she blazed her own trail in the music industry and paved the way for other artists. Many artists paid tribute to Lynn, remembering her as “an absolute icon,” and “a beautiful soul.”