Remembering Loretta Lynn: 6 unforgettable performances from the ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’
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By Kelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
HURRICANE HILLS, Tenn. — It’s hard to imagine a young girl from Butcher Holler, Kentucky, taking the country music world by storm, until you hear that voice, oozing Appalachian influence without a hint of pretense.
Loretta Lynn died in her sleep at her home in Hurricane Hills at the age of 90 on Tuesday, prompting friends, family and fans to flood social media with their favorite performances by the legendary singer and queen of country music.
A few of her most storied performances can be viewed below.
Loretta Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1960 at the age of only 25, singing “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl” from the legendary stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
The following is the original transcription disc of the audio from Lynn’s performance of “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” at the Opry in 1967.
Lynn performed a heart-wrenching medley Patsy Cline’s biggest hits, offering the audience an intimate glimpse at her struggle to perform her late friend’s most enduring songs.
And the talent most certainly ran in the family. On Jan. 21, 2017, Lynn’s younger sister, country singer Crystal Gayle, was also inducted into the Opry. Sisters Lynn, Gayle and Peggy Sue performed a rousing family rendition of Lynn’s iconic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” for the occasion.
Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)
Lynn kept recording long after trading the lights and applause of the Ryman for semi-retirement in Tennessee. Here she is below with the incomparable Willie Nelson.
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 02: Loretta Lynn performs in concert during Rodeo Austin at the Travis County Expo Center on March 2, 2014 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/FilmMagic) (Gary Miller/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years Circa 1980, American country singer and songwriter Loretta Lynn performs on stage, wearing a long dress. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) (Getty Images/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years LOUISVILLE, KY - JULY 25: Loretta Lynn performs during Day 3 of the 2010 Hullabalou Music Festival at Churchill Downs on July 25, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images) (Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years American country music singer Loretta Lynn rests her head on her hand and reclines on a couch near some audio equipment, February 24, 1975. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years BUTCHER HOLLER, KY - CIRCA 1955: Country singer Loretta Lynn poses for a portrait with a man (perhaps her husband Mooney) in circa 1955 in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Loretta Lynn and Sissy Spacek pose in the press room at the 44th Annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 10, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) (Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years (Original Caption) Buena Park, California: "Country" Family. Here's a kind of royal family of country music. Loretta Lynn (Center) poses with her mother, Clara Butcher, and sister, Crystal Gayle, at the 15th annual "Academy of Country Music Awards" ceremonies at Knott's Berry Farm May 1. Loretta and Crystal both won awards. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years ATHENS, GA - MAY 14: Loretta Lynn performs at the Classic Center on May 14, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Chris McKay/WireImage) (Chris McKay/WireImage via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years LOUISVILLE, KY - MARCH 31: Loretta Lynn performs at The Louisville Palace on March 31, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images) (Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years From left to right, American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie, country music singer Loretta Lynn and record producer Quincy Jones, at the American Music Awards, USA, 27th January 1985. (Photo by Ron Wolfson/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 17: Singer Loretta Lynn performs onstage at Stubbs on March 17, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images) (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years Buena Park, CA - 1976: Loretta Lynn performing on the ABC tv special '1976 / 11th Academy of Country Music Awards', at the Palladium. (Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images) (Walt Disney Television Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - 1997: American country music singer-songwriter Lorreta Lynn poses for a portrait with her piano circa 1997 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ron Davis/Getty Images) (Ron Davis/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years Buena Park, CA - 1976: Loretta Lynn presenting on the ABC tv special '1976 / 11th Academy of Country Music Awards', at the Palladium. (Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images) (Walt Disney Television Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 22: HOF members Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn attend the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Hosts Medallion Ceremony To Celebrate 2017 Hall Of Fame Inductees Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed And Don Schlitz at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 22, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum) (Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 04: Loretta Lynn and Family attend Loretta Lynn and Jack White Induction Into The Nashville Walk Of Fame on June 4, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 20: A statue of the legendary country artist Loretta Lynn is seen outside the Ryman Auditorium on October 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)