As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 21 – Fall 2022
As fans worldwide learned of country music icon Loretta Lynn’s passing on October 4, 2022, condolences, tributes, and memories were shared across the internet. We’d like to honor the Queen of Country Music by sharing some of them here.
“Loretta Lynn was a trailblazer for women in country music and an inspiration to so many young girls and women to show what strength and determination can accomplish. You will truly be missed, Miss Loretta!”
— Tara Low, Founder & Editor of Guitar Girl Magazine
“The first time I met Loretta Lynn was at the Grand Ole Opry at the beginning of my career. I was chatting in the corner with another artist and someone walked behind me and smacked me on the rear end! I turned around and there she was…in a big sparkly dress…laughing as she continued to walk down the hall at what she had just done…
This is one of my most favorite stories to tell. I think it sums up her personality pretty well. She was a cantankerous little pistol…friendly and sweet…never afraid to be herself and speak her mind
Over the years, I have had the honor of singing for her…and also with her…in some of the most special moments of my career.
She is irreplaceable. She will be incredibly missed…but her legacy lives on in those of us whom she has influenced.
I am truly grateful to have known such an amazing woman and artist.
Thank you, Loretta, for showing us how it’s done. May you Rest In Peace in the arms of Jesus and add your heavenly voice to the angel choir.
Love you!”
— Carrie Underwood (Instagram)
“So sorry to hear about my sister, friend Loretta. We’ve been like sisters all the years we’ve been in Nashville and she was a wonderful human being, wonderful talent, had millions of fans and I’m one of them. I miss her dearly as we all will. May she rest in peace.”
— Dolly Parton
“Today is a sad day. The world lost a magnificent human being. Loretta Lynn was a great artist, a strong and resilient country music pioneer and a precious friend. I am heartbroken. I send my deepest sympathies to her wonderful family, her friends, and her loyal fans.”
— Sissy Spacek to CNN.
“I’m so heartbroken to hear about Loretta’s passing. She was so kind to me and she blazed so many trails for all of us girls in country music. Thanks you for all the songs . Miss you. Fly high.”
— Miranda Lambert (Instagram)
“It’s so hard to feel like you have the right words. I can hear Loretta saying “just take your time honey”. We all loved her so much. There will never be another like her. I am so grateful that I got to know her, to spend time with her, laugh with her…..I was always a little astonished when she called me her friend. I know how much she missed Doo, her son and daughter, her mommy and daddy, Patsy, Tammy, Conway…she is back with them now. I can imagine her big beautiful smile and how happy her soul must be for that. She ended every phone call the same way… “I love you honey”. I love you too Loretta. I love you too.”
— Martina McBride (Instagram)
“Our mom used to have this song on repeat when we were little girls🥹 The impact Loretta Lynn had on the country music industry is one that will never be forgotten and changed the game for women in country music forever. Her music will live on and continues to inspire us as artists, writers, and women. RIP.”
— Presley & Taylor (Instagram)
“It has been a privilege for the Recording Academy to honor Loretta throughout her illustrious career and celebrate her contributions to the music community. “Loretta has had an indelible impact on country music and her voice will continue to resonate with generations of music lovers for years to come.”
— Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
“Loretta Lynn was a trailblazer for all of us following in her footsteps, making it ok to write and sing about real-life situations, even if they weren’t always pretty.”
— Sunny Sweeney
“There are not enough words to thank Loretta Lynn as one of the first to make a path for women in country to ride on. She paved the way for so many by sharing her talent and voice at a time when women’s voices weren’t being heard. May we be so lucky as to have artists and songwriters continue this country music tradition of sharing the stories that unite us in the most important ways.”
— Ingrid Andress
“Loretta was always my favorite singer and a great friend.”
— Connie Smith
“She was smart, she was strong and she was kind. As she said, ‘I ain’t got much education but I got some sense.’”
—Rita Wilson
“Loretta Lynn was the living, breathing description of what it meant to be a woman of country music. Sadly, and appropriately… she takes it with her. No one will ever be more.”
–– Gretchen Wilson
“There are simply no words to adequately describe my feelings at this loss. She was the Matriarch of our Opry Family the past several years and even though she could not be there in person, she was very much in that building, in our hearts, and on our minds. She was very welcoming to me when I came, asking me to sit down beside her and tell her about me. I was thrilled then and it still thrills me to think she was interested. In the end she just patted my knee and said “Don’t ever change”. Her impact on our industry through her songs was huge. She made everyone aware, starkly at times, of the plight of some women’s lives, and that awareness brought about changes. Of course, I will always remember her sense of humor! She would ask me to tell her a joke and then say “Tell Doo so he can explain it to me”! She will always be one of Country Music’s greatest gifts to the world.”
– Jeannie Seely
“Kind, welcoming, sincere, thoughtful, how many positive attributes can I think of that describe Loretta Lynn. But one that I think of at the mention of her name is grateful. From side stage to backstage at the Opry, at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, to sharing the stage at a festival somewhere in America, there was always a sense of gratefulness that flowed from her. Not one to take for granted the talent, family, friends, fans, or the music that blessed her life and in turn blessed our lives. We will miss you Miss Loretta, we will miss you.”
– John Berry
“As we all remember Loretta for her staggering musical gifts, her sense of humor, her compassion as the matriarch of a large family, I’ll be forever grateful to her, Patsy and Peggy for inviting me into her home and sharing her life story with me. God bless our Queen Loretta.”
– John Cowan (New Grass Revival/Doobie Brothers)
“This is a day I’ll never forget! Ms. Loretta passed through those pearly gates on my Birthday! How bittersweet. She was my biggest influence, mentor, and dear friend. She was loved and adored by many, but she’ll always be extra special to me….that girl from Butcher Holler sure done good and lived a life to be admired! I’ll miss you Loretta Lynn, this world won’t be the same without you in it, but you sure left a mighty big footprint!”
– Heidi Newfield
“A monumental mold has been broken. We’re so lucky to have had such a unique talent in our lifetime. Loretta lived the American dream, and gave back with country–style humility and grace.”
– Exile
“Ms. Loretta was an inspiration and icon and the real deal to a Kentucky kid who was aiming to be a songwriter. Her story is so true that you could not make it up. She had grace, style and a kindness that permeated through her amazing career. A true groundbreaking legend. One of a kind.”
– Kent Blazy
“I saw Loretta and Conway when I was just a kid in Montgomery, Alabama. I never dreamed that one day I would write a song with her. I was honored to sing a Conway/Loretta duet with her back in 2016 at her July 4th show at her ranch. It felt like I was singing with a queen. I guess I was. The world just isn’t the same when you lose someone like Loretta.”
– Bobby Tomberlin
“My grandmother, Dottie West, wasn’t the only one to grow up on ‘Country Sunshine.’ I don’t think they come any more country than Loretta Lynn. She was a family friend, but also one of those original trailblazing women in country music. I’m certain as soon as my grandmother hears that country accent in heaven, she’ll know it’s Loretta. Country music won’t be remembered without her name. Rest in Peace friend.”
– Tess Frizzell
“With every word she sang, you felt like you were living her songs. We never met Loretta Lynn personally, but have always admired her for her honesty, love for her fans, her faith in God and the love that she had for her husband, Doolittle. She was always proud of the eastern Kentucky hills she called home. She was a role model and a shining example for all of us. Rest easy, Miss Loretta.”
– Darin & Brooke Aldridge
“Loretta Lynn was hands down one of my biggest inspirations, not only in music, but in my life. When I was nine years old, my momma taught me the lyrics to ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ and it forever changed my life. It became the song that got me on my first professional stage, and was the song that taught me how music can heal and help people through any situation. When I was 10, I was performing at a long–term care facility where I met a real–life coal miner’s daughter who was living with Alzheimer’s. She didn’t remember anything about her life, but when I sang ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ she remembered her childhood, her parents and siblings, and the amazing life she had lived. All of that came back to her because of the truth and powerful lyrics Mrs. Loretta Lynn wrote into her songs. Mrs. Loretta taught me the power of music, and through her music, she taught me to stay true to myself, and showed me the woman I want to be. I’ve always said my best friends growing up were Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, because they were there for me when it felt like no one else was. I’m so heartbroken to hear of Mrs. Loretta’s passing, but I know she is with Patsy and Doo. My heart goes out to all of her family, friends and everyone who loved her. She will forever be one of the best and greatest women who ever lived. Thank you for the songs Mrs. Loretta, and thank you for being the reason I love music. You will always be the greatest country artist ever in my book.”
– Dallas Remington
“We lost an icon today. Loretta Lynn represented the best our genre has to offer. She was a true pioneer who wasn’t afraid to stand out by singing openly and honestly about difficult topics, and someone all of us young artists could look up to. She will be missed greatly, but her spirit will live on forever in her vast catalog of music.”
– Bryan Ruby
“I was so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Miss Loretta. Words can’t begin to describe what a loss this is to our Country music family. My Papa Steve was a big Loretta fan, so we have so many of her original vinyl records that we still play. She paved the way for female artists like myself and showed that it all can be done. She had the most iconic sound, style and story that will never be forgotten. My love and prayers go out to her family and friends. There is so much sweet music in heaven today.”
– Dani–elle Kleha
“I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Loretta. She was one of the most legendary, and best artists to ever step on a stage. She was way ahead of her time, paving the way for female Country artists in so many ways with her writing and performing. She will be missed so much, but thankfully, her music will live on. Prayers for her family and all of the many people who loved her.”
– Taylon Hope
“Ms. Loretta was a pioneer in country music and subsequently opened the door for other female Country artists. She’s an absolute legend and will be sorely missed.”
– Jason Brownie
“Loretta was a true original. Loved her voice, especially on her gospel records. On behalf of ALABAMA, I’d like to say the world has lost a treasure. She will be missed.”
– Randy Owen / ALABAMA
“She was one of the greatest music and entertainment legends ever! She was so sweet and so smart! I will always be indebted to her for her inspiration and encouragement. My love and prayers are with her family.”
— John Anderson
“Loretta always sent me notes of encouragement. She was proud of our Kentucky heritage. She once told me, ‘We were common and that’s what made us special. ‘Loretta understood. The real deal! She understood the grass roots of all musical styles. She was not only the ‘Queen of Country Music’ but also the ‘Queen of Down to Earth.’”
– Richard Young / The Kentucky Headhunters
“Loretta Lynn started the trail! She was the original trailblazer and will forever be an amazing rags–to–riches story. However, she will always be a first–class lady who always treated everyone with honor and dignity, me included. Rest high sweet friend.”
– Tim Rushlow / The Frontmen
“Loretta has been an old friend of mine for a long, long time. We’re both from Appalachia – same part of the country. Both started off the same way, dirt poor and worked our way into it. She was a good friend, I’d been calling to check on her lately. When I was 19 and trying to be a songwriter out on the West Coast, she was the first person to cut one of my songs… on the last show we played together at the Johnny Cash Festival in Arkansas in 2014 or ’15 we sang God Bless America Again together one last time – I love her and I will miss her dearly.”
– Bobby Bare, fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member
“I’ve known Loretta Lynn for many, many years. Watched her hit the scene in Nashville in 1960 and have always been a fan of her non–apologetic attitude and country sound. I was hoping to see her and visit at the Country Music Hall of Fame inductions coming up… God Bless her family and while we will miss her here on Earth, there’s no doubt in my mind she’s joined that heavenly choir.”
– Jerry Lee Lewis, 2022 Member–Elect to the Country Music Hall of Fame
“My roots in country music run deep because of my love and admiration for ‘Ms. Loretta.’ She was there in the ’80s, when I arrived in Nashville, to encourage me and allow me to open for her on tour… and, she was there to open for me, in Aurora, IL, in 2013, which unknowingly was my last public concert before my stroke. The years in between are each gifts wrapped in respect, admiration, awe and love –– and we shopped for lots of dresses through those years!
Whenever I heard ‘my Randy,’ I knew Loretta was near and her kind, sweet kisses left lipstick memories on my forehead and both cheeks. I wish I could have bottled those kisses and saved them for a day like today, when I learned of her passing. An emptiness came over me as I reflected on the magnitude of Ms. Loretta’s presence—in the heart and soul of country music, and the entire world––and the void now created. If your path ever crossed with hers, you immediately felt her magic. Loretta and Doolittle ‘Doo’ represented a legacy marriage with six beautiful children as proof… and, a lot of us that Ms. Loretta took under her wing. I thank God that my career overlapped with The Queen’s—it’s an honor and a privilege.
After 90 years of teaching us how to live and love here on earth, we sing her home to heaven, with grateful hearts. Our thoughts and prayers follow the precious Lynn family down this road of loss and transition—thank you for sharing Ms. Loretta with us. We will never have another Loretta Lynn…this world isn’t good enough for two of her.”
– Randy Travis, fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member
“Our family is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Loretta Lynn…our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lynn family. Loretta has always held a special place in our lives. We love the whole Lynn family and feel their loss…she has truly left a void that no one will fill.”
– Julie Fudge, Daughter of Patsy Cline
“There are very few in the history of country music who made the mark that Loretta Lynn did. She was relatable to anyone from the young boy selling newspapers on the street to the man sitting in the White House. She will be missed by millions. It’s comforting to know that her legacy will live on through her amazing music.”
– Bill Miller, CEO of Icon Entertainment Group, Proprietor of the Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash Museums
“Great Britain lost their long–time reigning Queen … now we have lost ours… Rest Easy Miss Loretta … we all loved you … so very much … until the day.”
– Joe Bonsall / The Oak Ridge Boys
“The world has lost an icon and a friend. Her music will live on forever. We love you Loretta and you are already missed. My prayers to her family, friends, and fans.”
– Johnny Lee
“Loretta Lynn was a sweet, kind, and genuine woman that George and I loved. George toured with her for many years. I will miss her dearly.”
– Nancy Jones
“I was so sorry to hear of Loretta’s passing. We did so many great shows together. She’s just one of my favorite people in the world and I’m going to miss her so much. Everybody else will, too.”
– David Frizzell
“Today country music lost one of its icons. The Coal Miner’s daughter, Loretta Lynn, was one of the most gracious women I’ve ever met in my life. Besides being an amazing country music artist, she was a true Southern lady. I only met her once in May of 1997 but she made me feel like I had known her my whole life – like she was my favorite Aunt that I hadn’t seen in a long time. Country music now has a void that will likely not be filled for quite some time if ever. Rest in peace, Miss Loretta.”
– Heath Wright / RICOCHET
“Country music was forever changed when God gave us Loretta Lynn. Now, it will never be the same again with her passing. She left a trail like no other! Loretta, you are loved and already missed terribly.”
– Dallas Wayne
“Sweet Miss Loretta has crossed the river Jordan. I first met her in 1977 and have since remained friends. Sheila and I will miss her greatly. I’ll always cherish her recording of my song, “Wine Into Water”. Please, pray for her family at this sad time. God bless you and rest in blessed peace.”
– T. Graham Brown
“This was a heartbreaking moment. I only met her a couple of times, but she was always been a big part of my life since I was a little kid. I have listened to her music. My momma and daddy played it all the time. You know they won’t live forever, but when they go it still catches you off guard. She will always be here in spirit and soul.”
– Mark Chesnutt
“Oh so sad to hear of the passing of Loretta Lynn. I’ve listened to her music all my life, sang her songs, and was thrilled to work with her at the same shows on a few occasions. One, in particular, was in 1985 with Jim Ed Brown and Loretta. We started to sign autographs in front of the stage; the crowd started rushing the stage and security quickly hoisted me, Loretta, and Jim Ed to safety. I had never experienced anything like that. I realized a potentially dangerous situation was only because of the audience’s love for the music and the artists. She was loved for her real, down–home, honest personality; in addition to her amazing voice and songs. She will be incredibly missed, but her music will live on forever. Rest In Sweet Peace Loretta.”
– Rhonda Vincent
“It’s another very sad day as I hear the news of my dear friend Loretta Lynn passing. I always loved touring and doing concerts with her through the years. She was and will always be one of the strongest forces that helped propel country music worldwide. Gone but will never be forgotten. R.I.P. my friend.”
– T.G. Sheppard
“I’ll always remember when Loretta Lynn and I shared a dressing room in California at Knott’s Berry Farm for the ACM – Academy of Country Music show – we talked about shoe shopping! It was so much fun – Great memories of a great lady! May she Rest In Peace!”
– Janie Fricke
“Having shared a dressing room with Loretta I can tell you she was really, truly a down–home lady. She will be missed.”
– Lacy J. Dalton
“I’m sad and so broken hearted to hear that Loretta Lynn, another one of my musical heroes has left for home. I will be forever grateful for the memories that I was able to make with her. My deepest sympathy to her precious family, friends, and fans.”
– Kelly Lang
“My heart is in pieces this morning as I hear the news of Loretta Lynn’s passing. Loretta, you are and have been the biggest inspiration to me my entire life. You were the very first person I started singing; the one who gave me hope and passion to get into the music industry. I pray for your family and friends at this time. Rest easy, honky tonk girl”
– Makenzie Phipps
“Every loss in our music industry hurts, but then there are those losses that hit you squarely between the eyes. For me, Loretta Lynn is one of those losses––my guess is, almost every country music fan felt the same way when he or she heard about Loretta’s passing. We should have been prepared for this moment, but it was like taking a sucker punch. At the age of 90, she was a part of our music soundtrack. We all grew up with a Loretta Lynn song in our hearts. One of my proudest moments on the Grand Ole Opry was playing for Loretta Lynn. There are stars and there are icons. Loretta Lynn was an icon. My prayers go out to her family, friends, and fans. Today my heart breaks for us all.”
– Tim Atwood
“As a proud Kentuckian, today is a very sad day in our bluegrass state. Prayers up to the family of the Queen of Country Music, Ms. Loretta Lynn. What an incredible career and legacy that she has left behind. So many iconic songs and a life every Small–town kid dreamed of. My prayers are with the family at this time. Long live the Coal Miner’s Daughter. I’ll continue to treasure her signature on my guitar. Love you too, Loretta.”
– JD Shelburne
“Today is truly one of the saddest days in Country music history. Loretta Lynn was truly the Queen of Country music and loved by so many. We all love her and will miss her dearly. Rest in peace sweet lady. A real Legend and Icon of our time.”
– Shane Owens
“I never thought the day would come that’d we’d lose one of the biggest voices in American music. Loretta Lynn was such a powerhouse and the epitome of the real deal. Her impact on being yourself and believing in your ability helped shape my career beyond measure. RIP Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
– Kody Norris / The Kody Norris Show