The world lost a uniquely beautiful voice when music legend Loretta Lynn passed away yesterday. Loretta truly was the “first lady” of country music. Loretta was the first woman ever named as the country music association’s entertainer of the year in 1972; and then three years later by the Academy of country music.
Never ashamed of her countrified beginnings as a coal miner’s daughter from Butcher Holler Kentucky, she immortalized in her story songs the love of family and faith that she was brought up with.The caring person she was led to a beautiful friendship with Patsy Cline and inspired Loretta to write and sing songs in support of women in an era when ladies had few rights and no public voice.
Loretta’s song, “You’re Lookin’ At Country,” was more than just lip service. While her close friend Patsy traded in her cowgirl outfits for a more sophisticated and fashionable wardrobe; Loretta hung on to her simple and very distinctly country style. You’re looking at country indeed.
Trailblazer, icon, advocate, inspiration. Just a few of the many things that Loretta Lynn was to many, many people.
But first and foremost in her life was her faith and her love of God. Her final social media post was this Bible quote from John 3:20-21: “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” Loretta lived in the light, and now her Lord and Savior has welcomed her to her eternal reward.
- Darleen Dixon, KGNB 1420 AM & KNBT 92.1 FM On-Air Talent 7 years;
20 year Radio Professional and Writer