LEXINGTON, Ky. — Loretta Lynn, a country music icon who was once known as the Queen of Country Music, has died at 90.
Many remember Lynn as the Coal Miner’s Daughter — a phrase that refers to a hit song and album by Lynn, as well as a movie based on her autobiography. She was from the coal mining community of Butcher Hollow.
“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills,” said Lynn’s family on Facebook.
News of Lynn’s death quickly spread to social media, where many shared their thoughts and feelings about losing a historic figure.
Rhonda Vincent, a Grammy Award winning bluegrass singer, shared a photo of her and Lynn on Facebook.
Bret Michaels, a former singer for the rock band Poison, said Lynn paved the way for women in the music entertainment industry.
“One of the best days of my life was Thanksgiving when she sang Every Rose Has Its Thorn in the studio with me,” Michaels said on Facebook. “She will forever be loved & missed.”
Posting from the Facebook account of the Charlie Daniels Band, Charlie Daniels Jr. said country music wouldn’t be the same without Lynn.
“When dad (Charlie Daniels) passed, she said Country would never be the same without him,” Daniels Jr. said. “It will definitely not be the same without the coal miner’s daughter.”
Carole King, a Grammy Award winning artist, called Lynn an inspiration.
Gov. Andy Beshear said all of Kentucky mourns the loss of Lynn, whom he called a legend of country music.
“She was a legend who blazed a trail in country music while telling the stories of Appalachia and Kentucky,” Beshear said on Facebook. “She will be greatly missed, but her words and impact will live on forever.”
The Johnson County Community & Economic Development Facebook page said they were proud of Lynn’s roots and that the community will miss her.
“We are proud that Loretta was born here and that her music often was a reflection of her time growing up in Johnson County. Loretta will be missed by so many here and across the globe and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” said a Facebook post on the page.
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