Loretta Lynn’s Family Marks Anniversary Of Her Death “It’s Been A Long, Hard Year”

Loretta Lynn / Facebook

Loretta Lynn: A Year Without the Legend

October 4, 2022, was a morning like any other when the world shifted for Loretta Lynn’s family. For most, she was the iconic Loretta Lynn – the trailblazer, the record-setter, the unforgettable voice that shaped country music. But for her family, that morning brought the heartbreaking realization that momma was gone. She was no longer a phone call away or a short drive to her house. The legend, to them, was always momma first.

“The world stood still. It couldn’t be real. Yes, she was Loretta Lynn, the legend, the star, the record breaker, the pioneer, the voice, but to us she was momma. It was surreal. We called each other, we rushed to her house, but it was true. In the early hours of the morning, just as she wanted it to happen, she had slipped away in her sleep. She looked forward to heaven, and at last it was hers. She was overjoyed, we were broken. She had warned us just days before that the angels were coming, but we dismissed it,” Loretta Lynn’s family wrote on their website.

At 90, the signs of aging were apparent. Challenges like a stroke, a fall, and the harrowing pandemic were obstacles she faced, yet they never dimmed her spirit. Resilient and ever-dedicated, she still produced hit albums, penned books, and used the digital age to connect with her ever-growing fan base. But amidst this whirlwind, her family watched, knowing the inevitable was near, but always hoping for a little more time.

“We didn’t want it to be so and we couldn’t let ourselves imagine it possible. Yet here we were with our hearts broken and in shock. She was our world in so many ways. She had been the light that shined on us big and bright for as long as we could remember,” her family wrote. “It’s been a long, hard year without her. 12 months since we heard her voice, the first birthdays she didn’t sing to us. 52 weeks since we had a conversation, the first decisions without her. 365 days since we saw her sweet smile, our greatest pain felt without our strongest comforter to comfort us.” 

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The weight of her absence is felt every day.

In their grief, the family has found strength in the love and prayers from those who cherished Loretta. They’re deeply grateful to fans and well-wishers whose affection for the country icon continues to shine. This outpouring of love has led them to a renewed purpose: to honor Loretta’s legacy and contributions to the music industry. To make sure that her authenticity, her songs, and her messages continue to inspire.

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As they mark October 4th, a year without Loretta, they take a moment to express gratitude. Not just for the time they had with her, but also for the overwhelming support they’ve received. For them, and for countless fans around the world, the journey to celebrate Loretta Lynn’s enduring legacy has just begun.

Read Loretta Lynn’s family’s full statement marking the anniversary of her death HERE.

Watch Loretta Lynn’s final message to her fans in the video below.