The world will never see another Loretta Lynn.
The country icon died today, October 4th, at home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, at age 90.
Her family released the following statement about the death of their mother, saying the passed away peacefully in her sleep:
“‘Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.’ The family of Loretta Lynn.”
A pioneer in country music, it’s truly impossible to measure the massive impact she’s had on the genre, as her country music career spanned more than 60 years and featured hits such as “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)”, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)”, “One’s on the Way”, “Fist City” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter”.
She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008, and was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. She sold over 45 million albums worldwide.
And for many younger artists making country music today, and even some of her closest friends and colleagues, Loretta is and has been an inspiration and major influence in their career.
Most would consider her the greatest woman to ever make country music, and the reactions have already been pouring in, with so many artists paying tribute to the country queen and her indelible mark on the world.
The country music world will never be the same, that’s for certain:
The family has asked for privacy during this time, as they grieve. An announcement regarding a memorial will be forthcoming in a public announcement.
RIP to the great Loretta Lynn, a true pioneer and icon of country music.
