Loretta Lynn, the Kentucky coal miner’s daughter whose honest songs about Appalachia womanhood and love lifted her out of poverty and into a pillar of country music, has died. He was 90 years old.
In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Lynn’s family said she died Tuesday at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills,” the family said in a statement. They asked for privacy as they grieve and said a memorial will be announced later.
Lynn already had four children before her career took off in the early 1960s, and her songs reflect her pride in her rural Kentucky background.
Loretta Lynn’s biggest hits came in the 1960s and ’70s, including “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “The Pill,” “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” “Rated X” and “You’re Looking at Country.” She was known for appearing in floor-length, wide gowns with elaborate embroidery or rhinestones, many created by her longtime personal assistant and designer Tim Cobb.
In 1969, she released her autobiographical “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which helped her reach her widest audience yet.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter,” also the title of her 1976 book, was made into a 1980 movie of the same name. Sissy Spacek’s portrayal of Lynn won her an Academy Award and the film was also nominated for best picture.
Reba McEntire was among the stars to react to Lynn’s death, posting online how the singer reminisced about her late mother. “Strong women who love their children and are very loyal. Now they’re both walking in heaven and talking about how they grew up, how different country music is now than when they were kids. How good that Mom went first to welcome the roaring Loretta to heaven!
