Country music ‘will definitely not be the same’: Officials, fellow musicians mourn Loretta Lynn’s death

Loretta Lynn, a country music icon who was once known as the Queen of Country Music, has died at 90 years old.

Many remember Lynn as the Coal Miner’s Daughter — a phrase that refers to a hit song and album by Lynn, as well as a movie based on her autobiography. She was from the coal mining community of Butcher Hollow.

“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills,” said Lynn’s family on Facebook.

Lynn’s sister, singer Crystal Gayle, wrote in a Facebook post that “the world lost a legend. We lost a sister.”

News of Lynn’s death quickly spread to social media, where many shared their thoughts and feelings about losing a historic figure.

Wynonna Judd said Lynn was like an aunt to her and was the first country concert she ever saw. She said she would miss their telephone chats.

“Some of my fondest memories of Loretta come from her telling me all about her life in Butcher Holler,” Judd wrote. “During one of my recent visits to Hurricane Mills, she gave me a Bible and a crocheted doily that her Mama made. I will cherish those forever.”

She said it’s important to remember “how important this woman was…IS…to country music.”

Post by Wynonna.

Rhonda Vincent, a Grammy Award winning bluegrass singer, shared a photo of her and Lynn on Facebook.

Bret Michaels, a former singer for the rock band Poison, said Lynn paved the way for women in the music entertainment industry.

“One of the best days of my life was Thanksgiving when she sang Every Rose Has Its Thorn in the studio with me,” Michaels said on Facebook. “She will forever be loved & missed.”

Posting from the Facebook account of the Charlie Daniels Band, Charlie Daniels Jr. said country music wouldn’t be the same without Lynn.

“When dad (Charlie Daniels) passed, she said Country would never be the same without him,” Daniels Jr. said. “It will definitely not be the same without the coal miner’s daughter.”

Bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs said Lynn opened the doors for women in country music.

“Her songwriting was cutting edge and she was never afraid to tell the truth,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Carole King, a Grammy Award winning artist, called Lynn an inspiration.

Dolly Parton said Lynn was like a sister and described her as a wonderful human being and talent.

Tim McGraw said there was no one like Lynn.

“She was a trailblazer for the genre and a role model for so many young women…. My wife and our daughters included,” McGraw said in a tweet.

Reba McEntire said Lynn was always nice to her and she’s glad Lynn could join her mother in heaven.

“I sure appreciate her paving the rough and rocky road for all us girl singers,” McEntire said in a Facebook post.

Carrie Underwood said one of her favorite stories to tell is about the first time she met Lynn while standing backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

“She was a cantankerous little pistol…friendly and sweet…never afraid to be herself and speak her mind,” she wrote in a Facebook post..

Notable Kentucky politicians also shared praise about Lynn on social media. Gov. Andy Beshear said all of Kentucky mourns the loss of Lynn, who he called a legend of country music.

“She was a legend who blazed a trail in country music while telling the stories of Appalachia and Kentucky,” Beshear said on Facebook. “She will be greatly missed, but her words and impact will live on forever.”

The Johnson County Community & Economic Development Facebook page said they were proud of Lynn’s roots and that the community will miss her.

“We are proud that Loretta was born here and that her music often was a reflection of her time growing up in Johnson County. Loretta will be missed by so many here and across the globe and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” said a Facebook post on the page.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement praising Lynn for her prolific career, describing her as tough, confident and honest about life in rural Kentucky.

“But though the topics of her songs could be painful, the twang of her guitar and the richness of her voice declared a love for the mountains and people of Eastern Kentucky that shone through to millions of listeners,” McConnell said in a statement. “Along with all of Loretta’s fans, Elaine and I are mourning the loss of this trailblazing Kentuckian and sharing our prayers with her children, grandchildren, and all whom she touched over the course of her career.”

Herald-Leader reporter Karla Ward contributed to this report.