Loretta Lynn was honored with a star-studded tribute by three of country music’s most powerful females. The trailblazing icon, who was 90 years old when she passed away last month, was celebrated with a medley of her hits, performed by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire .
Underwood kicked off the tribute, which came at the beginning of the CMA Awards, with “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man),” followed by Lambert, who sang “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind).” McEntire emerged next, singing “You’re Lookin’ at Country.” The three superstars then combined their talents to sing “Coal Miner’s Daughter” together.
McEntire praised Lynn, and her influence in her own life, shortly after Lynn passed away.
“Mama and Loretta Lynn were four years apart,” McEntire wrote on social media. “Mama being the oldest. They always reminded me a lot of each other. Strong women, who loved their children and were fiercely loyal. Now they’re both in heaven getting to visit and talk about how they were raised, how different country music is now from what it was when they were young. Sure makes me feel good that Mama went first so she could welcome Loretta into the hollers of heaven!
“I always did and I always will love Loretta,” she added. “She was always so nice to me. I sure appreciate her paving the rough and rocky road for all us girl singers.”
Underwood also paid tribute to Lynn, recalling one of her earliest, and fondest, memories of the Country Music Hall of Fame member.
“The first time I met Loretta Lynn was at the Grand Ole Opry at the beginning of my career,” Underwood remembered. “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 continued. “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.”
Later during the CMA Awards ceremony, Carly Pearce also paid tribute to Lynn, by performing “Dear Miss Loretta,’ from her 29: Written in Stone album, backed by Ricky Skaggs and Sonya Isaacs. Watch that performance here.