Reba McEntire is mourning the loss of her good friend, and musical mentor, Loretta Lynn. McEntire spoke out about Lynn’s passing in a touching post on social media, praising the 90-year-old for her influence in her own life.
“Mama and Loretta Lynn were four years apart,” McEntire wrote. “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.”
Mama and Loretta Lynn were four years apart, Mama being the oldest. They always reminded me a lot of each other. Strong…
Posted by Reba McEntire on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
McEntire, along with Carrie Underwood, sang with Lynn on the title track of Lynn’s 50th studio album, Still Woman Enough, released last year.
“One thing I’d like to say, if I don’t choke up saying this, I love her,” McEntire said in a behind-the-scenes video of the story behind the song. “She is the most special thing country music I think has ever had. I mean that with all my heart … To get to sing with Loretta Lynn, the person that I’ve learned so much from over I think 60 years of my life, I was honored [to be] asked to do this.
“Because I watched the movie, I read the books,” she continued. “She is still woman enough, and to have that kind of attitude. The Me Too movement, and a woman’s gotta be stronger, Loretta’s been strong all her life. And that’s something she taught me, just like my Mama taught me. You be strong. Take up for yourself. And to get to sing this song, ‘I’m Still Woman Enough’ with her, that’s an anthem women need to carry forever.”
McEntire is one of several artists who praised Lynn for her influence in country music.
“She showed us all how to unapologetically tell the truth,” Carly Pearce tweeted. “One of the greatest there ever will be. I’ll be singing ‘Dear Miss Loretta‘ with a little extra love tonight at the Opry. Now she really is a Honky Tonk Angel.”
“So sad to hear of the passing of Loretta Lynn,” wrote Travis Tritt. “She was always an inspiration to those of us grew up listening to and loving real country music. Her kindness, strength and devotion to country music and her fans will be deeply missed. They don’t make ‘em like her anymore.”
Lynn passed away at her home in Hurricane Mills, Kentucky on Monday, October 4. She was 90 years old when she died.
“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills,” the family said in a statement. “The family has asked for privacy during this time, as they grieve. An announcement regarding a memorial will be forthcoming in a public announcement.”