Stories Behind the Songs: Loretta Lynn

By Lane Vaughn

On May 13th, the Opry will shine a spotlight on one of country music’s most beloved voices: Loretta Lynn. A pioneering singer-songwriter, Loretta’s honest lyrics about life, love, and hardship resonated with generations of fans. Her rags-to-riches story exemplified the American Dream, and her groundbreaking success inspired countless artists, especially women, to share their stories through song.

Family will be front and center, with performances by Loretta’s sister and fellow Opry member, Crystal Gayle, along with her granddaughters, Emmy Russell and Tayla Lynn—joined by her Twitty & Lynn duet partner, Tre Twitty, grandson of Conway Twitty. The lineup also includes country powerhouses like Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, and Carly Pearce—all artists who have felt the lasting impact of Loretta’s songs and spirit.

Before the curtain rises, we’re looking back at the stories behind three of Loretta’s most iconic songs—plus a special bonus track: a tribute from Carly Pearce, written as a letter to Loretta herself.

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#1: “I’M A HONKY TONK GIRL”

With fresh-pressed records, Loretta Lynn and her husband Oliver (“Doolittle”) drove cross-country from Los Angeles, stopping at radio stations along the way to promote “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl.” It was 1960, and the 28-year-old mother of four was climbing the country music charts.

The song’s success earned Loretta an invitation to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Loretta and Doolittle arrived in Nashville late at night and they didn’t have money for a hotel. So, they parked across the street from the Ryman—home to the Opry at the time—and slept in their car. The next morning, Loretta woke up to the sight of the old Tabernacle, and a box of donuts from Doolittle.

That night, she took the Opry stage for the first time and sang “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl.” She later recalled her nervousness, saying, “I remember (tapping) my foot. Isn’t that weird? I went off stage and thought, ‘I forgot to listen to myself sing!’”

While Loretta was living her dream on the Ryman stage, Doolittle was out in the car, fumbling with the radio dial, trying to catch her debut. He never found the signal. But a few minutes later, Loretta came bursting through the back doors. She wrapped her arms around him and said, “Honey, I’ve just sung on the Grand Ole Opry!”

Loretta would return to that stage many more times in the months that followed—and just two years later, in 1962, she officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry family.

 

 

 

#2: “DON’T COME HOME A-DRINKIN'"

Loretta Lynn made history with her first number one hit, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’.” Released in 1966, the song steadily climbed the Billboard charts before hitting the top spot on February 11, 1967. It held onto number one for a week and stayed on the charts for a total of 19 weeks—a big deal for a bold, somewhat controversial country tune at the time.

Co-written with her sister Peggy Sue Wright, the song was fearless and fiery, marking Loretta as a songwriter who said what she really thought. The message struck a chord with women across the country as Loretta gave voice to the everyday struggles of marriage and motherhood in a way that felt honest and unfiltered.

Thanks in part to the song’s impact, Loretta made history again later that year when she won the first ever CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Since then, plenty of inspiring women—like some of those hitting the Opry stage on May 13th—have followed in her footsteps. Martina McBride took the title three years in a row (2002–2004), and Carly Pearce brought it home in 2021.

 

 

 

#3: “COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER”

Perhaps her most iconic song, Loretta Lynn's 1970 hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is an autobiographical tale in which she paints the picture of her humble childhood in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky (or “Holler,” as the locals say). Born in a tiny cabin, she grew up surrounded by the kind of love and resilience money can’t buy. The song shares her pride in her roots and her appreciation for the simple joys of family life, even in the face of hardship.

In 1980, Loretta’s life story hit the silver screen with the film “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Sissy Spacek’s unforgettable portrayal earned her an Oscar, and sparked a real-life friendship with Loretta that would last a lifetime. Parts of the film were shot in the legendary Ryman Auditorium, which at the time stood empty. But the film’s success helped give the historic venue new life, welcoming a new generation of fans through its doors.

 

 

 

BONUS: “DEAR MISS LORETTA,” BY CARLY PEARCE

Loretta Lynn’s life, lyrics, and legacy left an everlasting mark on country music. Few people understand that better than fellow Kentucky native Carly Pearce, who grew up with Loretta’s songs as the soundtrack to her childhood. But it wasn’t until Carly faced her own heartbreaks and hardships that she truly felt Loretta’s words.

That’s what inspired “Dear Miss Loretta”—a moving tribute to the power of Loretta’s songs. In the chorus, Carly sings: “I ain't a coal miner's daughter / But I've sung it all my life,” followed by, “I hear your truth / and I feel your pain / now I know why you sang that way.”

Carly first performed the song at the Opry in 2021. But it took on even deeper meaning the day after Loretta passed away, on October 4, 2022, when Carly returned to the stage. She played the song again—this time sharing a personal voicemail from Loretta, thanking her for the song.

 

Carly is just one of many artists and fans who share a deep connection to Loretta Lynn. That’s why, on May 13^th, the Opry is honoring this remarkable artist whose impact still echoes through every note sung on our stage.

If Loretta Lynn’s music ever made you feel seen, made you laugh, made you cry, or made you feel stronger—this night is for you. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

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