Country music stars reacted Tuesday to the news that country legend Loretta Lynn died at her home in Tennessee. She was 90.
Some of the genre’s most prominent artists like Reba McEntire, The Oak Ridge Boys, LeAnn Rimes, and more took to social media to share tributes remembering the Kentucky coal miner’s daughter who they said paved the way for female singers in country music.
“Mama and Loretta Lynn were four years apart, Mama being the oldest,” McEntire captioned her post on Instagram, referencing her mother, Jacqueline, who died in 2020. “They always reminded me a lot of each other. Strong women, who loved their children and were fiercely loyal.”
“Sure makes me feel good that Mama went first so she could welcome Loretta into the hollers of heaven!” McEntire added. “She was always so nice to me. I sure appreciate her paving the rough and rocky road for all us girl singers.”
“Very sad news this morning … LORETTA LYNN has gone home … Great Britain lost their Queen … now we have lost ours … Rest easy ma’am,” The Oak Ridge Boys’ official Twitter account posted. “You were loved all … #RIPLorretta”
Very sad news this morning … LORETTA LYNN has gone home … Great Britain lost their Queen … now we have lost ours … Rest easy ma’am. You were loved all … 😢 #RIPLorretta pic.twitter.com/eUlgqVhNjF
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) October 4, 2022
“Oh, sweet Loretta Lynn… what a life!” Rimes tweeted. What an icon! What a trailblazer! What a beautiful soul! May she rest peacefully with the angels. My heart is with her family and friends. #lorettalynn #riplorettalynn.”
oh, sweet loretta lynn… what a life! what an icon! what a trailblazer! what a beautiful soul! may she rest peacefully with the angels. my heart is with her family and friends. #lorettalynn #riplorettalynn
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) October 4, 2022
Other country music stars, including Trace Adkins, Rosanne Cash, and Dolly Parton, also took to social media to honor the late singer.
Loretta Lynn
The poet that could contextualize her life has yet to be born. I’ll cherish the memories of the times I was in her presence. Rest In peace, darling. @LorettaLynn pic.twitter.com/IOh8u2929c
— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) October 4, 2022
It’s safe to say I wouldn’t even be making country music today if it weren’t for Loretta Lynn. She showed me up what it looked like to be a musician and a mama. Her writing was as real as the day is long. This one hurts on another level. I’ll miss her forever. pic.twitter.com/xpQZwp4TnB
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) October 4, 2022
Loretta Lynn contributed enormously to the world of Country Music. All of us adored and loved her. 💜 pic.twitter.com/M8LIXNu3IQ
— Barbara Mandrell (@barbaramandrell) October 4, 2022
Oh, man. Rest in all kinds of power, Loretta Lynn. We’ll miss you. Here’s a clip a friend just sent me of @kdlang and me doing Loretta’s ‘You Ain’t Woman Enough’ in 1988. https://t.co/zxNebk1pA9
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) October 4, 2022
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) October 4, 2022
And they weren’t the only ones who shared sweet posts and pictures of their time with the “Honky Tonk Angel.” Hollywood and singers from all different music genres took time to remember the country legend that changed country music.
She was an inspiration.
R.I.P. Loretta Lynn ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VqwmkcOAqy
— Carole King (@Carole_King) October 4, 2022
I am glad she was able to share her wisdom and talent with the world for as long as she did. We will miss her.
R.I.P. Loretta Lynn ❤️ https://t.co/afA7ppzNiH
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) October 4, 2022
RIP to an American icon: Loretta Lynn, Country Music’s Groundbreaking ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ Dead at 90 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/hNnqNYAEfV
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) October 4, 2022
She was an iconic legend and did things the way she wanted. I am so bless to call her friend. I miss u already Loretta. Love u. And rest now u angel. pic.twitter.com/oPVgfrO1vd
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) October 4, 2022
She showed us all how to unapologetically tell the truth. One of the greatest there ever will be. I’ll be singing “Dear Miss Loretta” with a little extra love tonight at the @opry ♥️ Now she really is a Honky Tonk Angel 🕊 #RIP pic.twitter.com/fiUNnTrlvZ
— Carly Pearce (@carlypearce) October 4, 2022
Tributes even poured in from those who aren’t exactly human. The Muppets famously worked with Lynn on The Muppet Show in the late 1970s.
“Working with our friend Loretta Lynn was unforgettable,” The Muppets tweet read. “Not only was she a country music legend, but when she joined us on The Muppet Show, she proved she was game for almost anything – even putting on an entire show at a train station! Thanks for the music and memories, Loretta.”
Working with our friend Loretta Lynn was unforgettable. Not only was she a country music legend, but when she joined us on The Muppet Show, she proved she was game for almost anything – even putting on an entire show at a train station! Thanks for the music and memories, Loretta.
— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) October 4, 2022
Lynn’s family released a statement on Twitter about the country star’s passing.
“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills,” a statement from the family of Loretta Lynn read.
A statement from the family of Loretta Lynn.
“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.
— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) October 4, 2022
“The family has asked for privacy during this time, as they grieve,” it added. “An announcement regarding a memorial will be forthcoming in a public announcement.”
