Loretta Lynn life and her legacy were remembered October 30, 2022 during a star-studded event at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Hosted by Jenna Bush Hager, the commercial-free memorial service featured some of the biggest names in country music including Keith Urban, Tanya Tucker, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Jack White, George Strait, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Lukas Nelson, and Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell.
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Lynn’s sister Crystal Gayle, daughter Patsy Lynn, and granddaughter Tayla Lynn spoke at the event, as did Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Barbara Mandrell, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Hoda Kotb, and actress Sissy Spacek who portrayed Lynn in “Coal Miner’s Daughter” the movie.
While the night was filled with touching moments and memorable performances, the event’s opening act set the mood for the heartfelt tribute.
Wynonna Judd was joined on stage by her step-father, Larry Strickland, and three members of gospel group The Gaither Vocal Band to perform a soulful and moving rendition of the Christian hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Wynonna’s strong vocals were perfectly complimented by the gospel quartet harmonies, and earned the performance a standing ovation from the crowd.
Loretta Lynn died at the age of 90 on October 4th.
Loretta Lynn’s family announced her passing in a statement to social media that read, “Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.”
Three days later Lynn was laid to rest during a private funeral in Hurricane Mills. The Lynn family was joined by 100 of their closest friends on October 7 to see Loretta taken from her mansion to the family cemetery nearby.
Family spokesperson Ebie McFarland, said at the time that Lynn left instructions for her funeral, including plans for the large public memorial that could be attended by her fans.
Sunday’s memorial service won’t be the last memorial for The Coal Miner’s Daughter. Loretta Lynn will be honored in with a tribute performance that will open the 2022 CMA Awards set to air on November 9. The performance has only been described as having an “all-star lineup,” so fans will have to tune in to see what the CMAs have in store.
In the meantime, check out Wynonna, Larry Strickland and the Gaither Vocal Band singing “How Great Thou Art” below.