One of the greats was honored today in Nashville as a new Loretta Lynn statue was unveiled at the Ryman Auditorium’s Icon Walk.
Loretta was not able to attend, but did release a statement saying how much it meant to her:
“I will never forget the morning Dolittle and I pulled in and parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium for the very first time. It was 1960 and I had a No. 14 Record on the charts called “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl.” My dream, like thousands of other singers, was just to sing on the Grand Ole Opry. Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry has been one of the greatest honors of my life. For many years I’ve stood on the stage of the Ryman and there’s no place like it. Now they’re unveiling this statue in my honor. It’s like I’m going to get to be there for many more years to come. It means so much to have the statue and to be a part of all of these wonderful artists. One day soon I’m gonna get to come up there and see it for myself. But for today I want to say thank you and I love each and every one of you for thinking of me.”
READ: Loretta Lynn Says Today’s Country Music Is Dead – “It’s Ridiculous… They’re Completely Losing It”
Artist Ben Watts was in charge of creating the statue, and said it took a year to finish. He also did the Little Jimmy Dickens and Bill Monroe statues Lynn will be joining.
“I don’t think it’s possible to tell the history of the Opry or Ryman without Loretta,” Colin Reed, Chairman & CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said.
“She is a trailblazer who has remained one of the most beloved entertainers to ever set foot on that stage.”
Here’s an up-close look of the Coal Miner’s Daughter.
