Loretta Lynn‘s legendary career was celebrated with a star-studded tribute at the Grand Ole Opry on Sunday, October 30. The Country Music Hall of Fame member had more than a dozen artists honor her, as part of the Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn.
Wynonna kicked off the celebration by performing “How Great Thou Art” with the Gaither Vocal Band and her stepfather, Larry Strickland. The ceremony was hosted by the Today Show‘s Jenna Bush Hager, also included touching tributes by Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and more.
George Strait performed her iconic “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind).”
Alan Jackson performed “Where Her Heart Has Always Been,” a song he wrote for his own mother, Ruth, who passed away in 2017.
Keith Urban performed “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” first playing a voicemail Lynn had left for him, inviting him to her birthday party. In 2019, Urban jumped out of a cake, to fulfill a wish Lynn made for her celebration.
Tanya Tucker, performed “Blue Kentucky Girl,” the title track of Lynn’s fourth studio album.
The Highwomen‘s Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby, along with Brittany Spencer performed the final song of the night, with a stirring rendition of “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Other performances of the night included Darius Rucker singing “Fist City,” Margo Price covering “The Pill,” Jack White with a surprise performance of “Van Lear Rose,” and more.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were among those who honored Lynn, and her lasting legacy in country music.
“She gave us this bold new space to find our own way to dream and to soar in the music we make, the careers and our lives that we have,” Hill said in part. “She was always good, kind and supportive of all of us. Every single person in this room has a story I’m sure they could share. And she was so dang wise and funny. I am honored to have been in your presence, Loretta.
“I am grateful to have had so many memories with you,” she continued through tears. “I am proud to be a woman in country music. I am proud to be a mom. I am proud to have had the privilege of following — for so many of us — of following you down the musical path you blazed for all of us.”
Marty Stuart also honored Lynn, sharing how much both he and his wife, Connie Smith, have been impacted by Lynn.
“One of the things we all agreed on, around the world, is everybody loved Loretta,” Stuart shared. “Loretta was one of those rare people that could walk in anybody’s house, and knock on the door, and be welcomed in as an honored guest. At our house, her name is spoken in love and reverence. Connie has never wavered from her statement that Loretta is her favorite country girl singer of all time. And when it comes to country music songwriting and singing, Loretta Lynn is as good as it gets, the standard that everybody else wants to be.”
Two additional commercial-free encores will occur on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 8:00 PM ET and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11:00 AM ET. Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn will also be made available on Paramount+ in early 2023.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of CMT / Russ Harrington
