Loretta Lynn is a big fan of Alan Jackson, and especially his upcoming Where Have You Gone album. The 88-year-old spoke out on social media about Jackson, praising him for his next set of tunes.

“Just when I thought country music was near gone, [Alan Jackson] brings it back to life!” Lynn posted. “What an album, he’s given us. Y’all go listen to it right now. Alan, thank you honey for keeping it country!”

Just when I thought country music was near gone, @OfficialJackson brings it back to life! What an album, he’s given us. Y’all go listen to it right now. Alan, thank you honey for keeping it country! #keepingitcountry #therealdeal #wherehaveyougone https://t.co/PGfWs1a896 pic.twitter.com/Y049GN5SrY

— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) April 7, 2021

Jackson grew up on traditional country music, and was determined to not stray from that format when he started making his own music.

“Merle and George and Hank,” Jackson said  of what drew him into country music. “A lot of young people liked that music when I was growing up, but it felt like nobody was making it. Somebody had to go to Nashville to make that kind of country. Randy [Travis] did and was great. But real country music is gone. It feels like 1985 again, and somebody has to bring it back. Because it’s not just 50-year-old people, it’s 20- and 25-year-olds. They have a real ear for country music, because it is real and genuine. They know the difference, and you can’t fake those things.”

The country music genre has endured many changes over the years, but Jackson’s commitment to traditional country music has never wavered.

“I never felt the need to chase anything different than I did,” Jackson said. “I just did what I liked and was lucky enough to connect with people who love the same kind of country music I do. My heart was in the real country music, that was what I wanted to do, and I thought if my career lasts three or four years, I’d be happy.”

Where Have You Gone will be released on May 14. Pre-order the record here.*

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