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.
And finally, a bonus performance:
Smiling at the memory of Loretta Lynn’s final performance, at her 87th birthday in 2019.
— Ian Saint (@iansaint_) October 4, 2022
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!
via @NewsHour pic.twitter.com/85js4Uqk0O
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