Loretta Lynn. Photo: Les Leverett
Country icon Loretta Lynn turned 90 today (April 14).
Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings are celebrating the Country Music Hall of Famer’s birthday by dedicating a blossoming magnolia tree located outside the Frist Learning Center on the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens grounds in Nashville in her honor. The tree bears a bronze tribute plaque with the inscription: “Loretta Lynn (b. April 14, 1932) / Coal Miner’s Daughter / Music Icon / Celebrating Her 90th Birthday.”
“For generations of fans, Loretta Lynn is the heart and soul of American country music, the woman who showed us the untapped possibilities of the genre through the genius and direct perspectives of her songs and the integrity of her performances,” said Richard Story, President, Commercial Music Group, SME. “Please join me and everyone in the Sony family in wishing Loretta the happiest of birthdays along with a deep appreciation for all the magic, truth and beauty she’s shown us through her music over the years.”
Additionally, many of Lynn’s fellow artists and friends including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, and more, have come together for a special birthday greetings video.
“I am getting so many big birthday wishes!” Lynn shared in a statement. “Thank you, friends, for thinking of me. I’m so happy I get to spend a little more time with you all. My family and I are planning a big dinner and, of course, cake! I love you!”
It was also announced that Lynn is donating items from her personal archives to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Among the artifacts are a 1960s yellow gingham dress sewn by Lynn and a photograph of her wearing the dress while signing autographs; the red gown designed by Lynn’s longtime dressmaker Tim Cobb and worn by her as an honoree at the 26th Kennedy Center Honors in 2003; Lynn’s original handwritten lyrics to her hit single “Fist City;” and the first edition copies of her autobiographies—Coal Miner’s Daughter (1976) and Still Woman Enough (2002)—and more.
“As a little girl, I could never have imagined that I’d write books and wear dresses that would wind up in the Smithsonian. These are the kinds of things that make me realize what an amazing life I’ve been given and grateful for what I’m able to share with the world,” Lynn offered.
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