Loretta Lynn Brings the House Down With ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ at Birthday Bash
Even at 86 years old, Loretta Lynn still knows how to party. And Nashville got to experience the joy of seeing Lynn, a country music legend, sing her iconic hit "Coal Miner’s Daughter" at Bridgestone Arena Monday night (April 1).
All part of a Lynn-dedicated birthday bash (she turns 87 on April 14), more than 20 of Music City's most legendary and up-and-coming stars paid homage to the living legend by performing (mostly) her songs during a the near three-hour show.
Officially titled "Loretta Lynn: An All-Star Birthday Celebration Concert," the tribute show brought out stars like Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Kacey Musgraves and more.
See Pictures From Loretta Lynn's Birthday Tribute Featuring All-Star Friends
It was uncertain if Lynn was going to perform at the event, as her health has been a concern after suffering a stroke in 2017 and broken hip in 2018. However, the Queen of Country appeared to be in good health and spirits, sitting stage right for the majority of the show to admire the song re-works from her artistic peers.
It wasn't until the final song of the night; the lights dimmed and all performers returned to the stage with Lynn being assisted onstage, front of center, by family and friends. The crowd waited patiently as Lynn set herself between friend Tanya Tucker and sister Crystal Gayle. Gayle set up "Coal Miner's Daughter" and when she finally asked Lynn if she was ready to sing, Lynn replied with, "I don't want to," to a cackle from the crowd.
Crowd tension built as Tucker, Gayle and Lynn sang the first few lyrics together with Gayle taking the lead, but seven lines in, the First Lady of Country Music would shine once again.
Taking the mic by herself for the first time, Lynn sang, "All day long in the field a hoin' corn" (is that country or what?) with the crowd erupting for the biggest pop of the night. Lynn then settled in her country groove for the rest of the song, maintaining the lead vocal in a song she made famous; adding yet another iconic moment to her legacy.
Happy birthday, Loretta!
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Loretta Lynn Through the Years: