Dolly Parton was one of many musicians paying tribute to late country legend Loretta Lynn on Tuesday, with tributes pouring in from Miranda Lambert, Kris Kristofferson, Darius Rucker, and former Poison frontman Bret Michaels, who recalled the time she sang, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” with him.
Lynn died in her sleep Tuesday morning, her family announced. The multiple Grammy winner was 90.
“So sorry to hear about my sister, friend, Loretta,” Parton wrote in a Twitter post. “We’ve been like sisters all the years we’ve been in Nashville and she was a wonderful human being, wonderful talent, had millions of fans I’m one of them. I miss her dearly as we all will. May she rest in peace.”
In a statement provided to press, Sissy Spacek also commented on the country legend’s passing, calling it a “sad day.” Spacek memorably played Lynn – and won the 1981 Academy Award for her portrayal – in the biopic “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
“Today is a sad day,” Spacek said. “The world lost a magnificent human being. Loretta Lynn was a great artist, a strong and resilient country music pioneer and a precious friend. I am heartbroken. I send my deepest sympathies to her wonderful family, her friends, and her loyal fans.”
Kris Kristofferson shared a video of her singing his song, “Me and Bobby McGee,” to his Facebook page with the caption, “Our thoughts are with the family of Loretta Lynn, who passed away last night in her sleep. In tribute to the legend she was, here’s her cover of Kris’ ‘Me and Bobby McGee.’ Rest In Peace, Loretta.”
Miranda Lambert shared a photo of Lynn with the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” singer to Instagram, writing, “I’m so heartbroken to hear about Loretta’s passing. She was so kind to me and she blazed so many trails for all of us girls in country music. Thanks you for all the songs . Miss you. Fly high”
The Academy of Country Music shared a tribute to both Twitter and Instagram: “The Academy joins Country Music fans all over the world in mourning the passing today of icon Loretta Lynn. Lynn has been Country Music’s ultimate storyteller for over 50 years and broke down countless barriers for women everywhere.”
Lynn was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1962, and the legendary venue tweeted, “60 years of Opry membership, countless memories, songs and stories. Our Opry family turns to music when words fail. Thank you for all you’ve given to the Opry, @LorettaLynn. We love you.”
Singer/songwriter Carole King tweeted, “She was an inspiration. R.I.P. Loretta Lynn.”
Darius Rucker simply shared a photo of him hugging Loretta to his Facebook page.
“My heart is beyond heavy today,” Bret Michaels shared to Facebook. “I have just learned of the passing of my good friend Loretta Lynn. I saw her a few weeks ago, & we sang some songs together. She was an incredible person, an incredible human being & an incredible talent who forged the way for women in the entertainment industry. I just spent time on her ranch, visiting with her & family. Singing songs & riding around on the ATVs & dirt bikes. One of the best days of my life was Thanksgiving when she sang Every Rose Has Its Thorn in the studio with me. She will forever be loved & missed.”
Bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent also shared a photo with Lynn, writing, “Oh my heart is sad to learn that Loretta Lynn has passed away at 90 years old. Sending our love and prayers to her family… Rest In Sweet Peace Loretta.”
Charlie Daniels Jr. wrote, “Mom and I are saddened to hear about the loss of a true legend, Loretta Lynn. When dad passed, she said Country would never be the same without him. It will definitely not be the same without the coal miner’s daughter. Prayers for her family. Rest in peace, Loretta. – CD, Jr. & HazelDaniels.” Charlie Daniels, best known for his song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” passed away in 2020.
