BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

HURRICANE MILLS, Tenn. — Loretta Lynn, beloved country singer-songwriter, passed  away in her sleep Tuesday at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., at 90 years old.

Lynn, originally from Butcher Hollow in Van Lear, Ky., had a career that spanned six decades and inspired millions.

Coming from humble beginnings of poverty and teenage motherhood, Lynn is an inspiration to rural and underprivileged people everywhere. Her autobiography “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was met with literary acclaim and adapted into an award-winning film starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones.

While Lynn suffered many health concerns in her older years, she was active until the end. In March 2021, Lynn released her 50th studio album. She was one of the most active musical artists of all time.

When Lynn began her career, country music was dominated by male voices. Lynn paved the way for generations of female country artists and had an explosive impact on the genre as a whole. She earned countless awards and accolades, including three GRAMMYs, 24 No. 1 hit singles, and 11 No. 1 albums. Fifty years ago, Lynn became country music’s first woman to be named “Entertainer of the Year” at the 1972 Country Music Association awards.

Lynn is survived by three sisters, including singer-songwriter Crystal Gayle, four children, 27 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a legion of loyal fans. She will be missed.