CMT and Sandbox Productions, in partnership with the family of Loretta Lynn, together presented “COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LORETTA LYNN,” a tribute to the extraordinary life, legacy and music of country legend Loretta Lynn.
Grand Ole Opry Celebration
The presentation first aired live and commercial-free celebration Sunday, October 30, exclusively televised on CMT.
Two commercial-free encores on CMT:
- Wednesday, November 2nd at 8p/7c
- Sunday, November 6th at 11a/10c
Participating Friends and Artists:
- HOST:
- Jenna Bush Hager
- PERFORMERS:
- Alan Jackson
- Brandi Carlile
- Darius Rucker
- Emmy Russell + Lukas Nelson
- George Strait
- The Highwomen’s Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby with Brittney Spencer
- Keith Urban
- Little Big Town
- Margo Price
- Tanya Tucker
- Wynonna with Gaither Vocal Band + Larry Strickland
- PRESENTERS:
- Barbara Mandrell
- Crystal Gayle, Patsy Lynn + Tayla Lynn
- Faith Hill
- Hoda Kotb
- Martina McBride
- Sheryl Crow
- Tim McGraw
- SPECIAL MESSAGES:
- Dolly Parton
- Kacey Musgraves
- Marty Stuart
- Miranda Lambert
- Reba
- Sissy Spacek
Show Highlights
- Jack White’s surprise appearance and powerful live performance of “Van Lear Rose,” the title track of his and Loretta’s Grammy-winning album, was a standout of the night. Introduced by Margo Price, fans were also treated to a rarely seen performance from Third Man Records Vault Package #24 featuring White and Lynn performing “Whispering Sea,” a favorite of White’s and one of the first songs Loretta ever wrote.
- George Strait remembered Loretta as “one helluva songwriter and entertainer,” also saying, “‘I love her and miss her dearly” as he delivered her first No. 1 hit, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind).”
- Lynn’s granddaughter Tayla Lynn & daughter Patsy Lynn Russell took the stage and recalled their pride in all that Lynn accomplished and how loved she was by the world.
- The Highwomen’s Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby and Brittney Spencer performed a show-stopping finale of Lynn’s most recognizable hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Earlier in the night, Carlile also performed “She’s Got You” solo.
- Opening the memorial, Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band + Larry Strickland delivered a chills-inducing performance of the classic hymn, “How Great Thou Art” for the night’s first standing ovation.
- Alan Jackson expressed his gratitude to the Lynn family for allowing him to sing “Where Her Heart Has Always Been,” the song he wrote for his mother when she passed away, in memory of Loretta. He shared that Loretta often reminded him of his mother: “Both were outgoing, sweet and genuine and would tell you exactly what was on their minds.”
- Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell joined forces with Willie Nelson’s grandson, Lukas Nelson, to perform “Lay Me Down,” the first song Loretta and Willie ever recorded together to a standing O.
- Keith Urban fondly remembered Loretta by playing a voicemail she had left for him inviting him to her birthday party, followed by his rendition of “You’re Looking At Country.”
- Barbara Mandrell recalled watching the movie Coal Miner’s Daughter on her tour bus, calling Lynn an ‘iconic talent’ who was also kind, generous and loving. She then introduced Tanya Tucker, who sang “Blue Kentucky Girl,” accompanied by her daughters Layla and Presley on background vocals.
- Martina McBride shared an emotional memory of the day that Loretta inducted her into the Grand Ole Opry and remarked that ‘women of country music could not be where we are today without Loretta Lynn.’
- Host Jenna Bush Hager recalled the controversy surrounding one of Lynn’s biggest hits – a song that country radio originally refused to play, “The Pill,” sung by a spirited Margo Price.
- Throughout the evening, more of Lynn’s closest friends and fans delivered heartfelt speeches and shared personal memories, including Sissy Spacek, who recalled being “thunderstruck” upon first meeting Loretta; Dolly Parton shared that “Loretta was the best friend anybody could ever have.” Taylor Swift praised Lynn for being an example for all songwriters, particularly females with her ‘truthful, fearless honesty’ in her writing.
Production information
“COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LORETTA LYNN” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions; Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Leslie Fram (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions), Patsy Lynn Russell and Ebie McFarland are Executive Producers.
*All video content COURTESY OF CMT/PARAMOUNT.
