Country Music Honors Loretta Lynn with 'Coal Miner's Daughter' Tribute

Presented by CMT and Paramount, country music's biggest and brightest stars showed up at the historic Grand Ole Opry House to pay their respects to the late Loretta Lynn, one of country music's most trailblazing female figures.

Hosted by Jenna Bush Hager, the night of remembrance opened with Wynonna Judd singing "How Great Thou Art" alongside the Gaither Vocal Band and Larry Strickland. Judd's low-toned vocals set the star-studded night off with an emotional punch straight to the heart. It felt like Judd, who has also recently lost her mother, was meant to be there, sharing her empathetic and understanding notion with Lynn's family and friends in the room.

Keith Urban walked on stage with nothing but a banjo. Before performing a stripped-down and contemporary twangy version of Lynn's infamous hit, "You're Lookin' At Country," he shared a few personal anecdotes like how he was her date to the 2005 CMT Music Awards and he also played a voicemail she once sent him asking to get his butt to her birthday party.

Darius Rucker performed Lynn's controversial yet honest classic, "Fist City" and Tanya Tucker sang "Blue Kentucky Girl" while wearing a bright pink ruffled blouse. The iconic George Strait walked earnestly on stage to perform her number one "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)."

Throughout the night, Lynn's achievements were highlighted, such as how many number ones she has under her belt and how many platinum records she's received, but the most outstanding message prompted by all the artists in attendance, was simply how Lynn was a good person. Faith Hill and Martina McBride spoke about how Lynn always let them know she was there for them, especially as females in a predominantly male landscape. In a video message, Dolly Parton shared, "She was the best friend anybody could have." And Alan Jackson, before singing "Where Her Heart Has Always Been," a track he wrote for his mother, noted that Lynn reminded him of his mother, "Both were outgoing, sweet and genuine and would tell you exactly what was on their minds."

Other messages shown via video message included a memo from superstar Taylor Swift who said that Lynn, "Paved the way for every songwriter that is trying to be truthful and honest today." Sissy Spacek, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her work portraying Lynn in the 1980 film, Coal Miner's Daughter, noted how Lynn changed her career trajectory. Reba McEntire shared, "I've always loved Loretta, and I always will."

A surprise performance came when Jack White performed the title track of Lynn's 42nd studio album Van Lear Rose - the album was produced by Jack White, who was a longtime fan of Lynn before becoming a friend and collaborator. The record was nominated for five Grammy Awards in 2005 and took home two of them including Best Country Album.

Many of the artists who took the stage had personal stories and experiences with Lynn to share, Brandi Carlile however went in a different direction. Before singing, "She's Got You," Brandi Carlile shared that "She was my hero's hero," before giving nods to artists like Wynonna Judd and Tanya Tucker in the audience. Carlile's performance was also a standout of the night, her vibrato-soaked vocals flew through the opry as she hit both the low notes and high notes with ease. She was one of the few who received a standing ovation.

One of Lynn's granddaughters Emmy Russell performed the high soaring, angelic tune "Lay Me Down" with Lukas Nelson, Willie Nelson's grandson. The song was originally recorded by Lynn and Willie Nelson making for a nostalgic, bittersweet moment. Russell shared that it was her first time performing since her grandmother got sick a few years ago.

Lynn’s daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and granddaughter Tayla Lynn arrived on stage to a whopping standing ovation and chorus of claps. Tayla Lynn recalled how growing up, her grandmother shared her faith and remarked that it was one of the best gifts she left behind. Patsy Lynn Russell took the time to honor her mother's achievements stating, "I'm so proud of what my mom's accomplished - how many artists, how many people in the world she touched." She later added, "She has laid down such a legacy that she will never leave us. She will always be here."

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