The Coal Miner’s Daughter, Loretta Lynn turns 86

It’s hard to believe Loretta Lynn will be celebrating her 86th birthday today.

The iconic country music star has achieved so much in her life and, despite a few health setbacks in recent years, shows no signs of slowing down.

For most people, Loretta is credited as the first woman to break into the Nashville country music scene. She was signed to a record label in 1960, and quickly became one of the biggest stars of the 60s and 70s.

She praised in her youth for writing songs that touched the hearts and minds of the young, and boldly brought social issues to the fore. 

One of her biggest hits was the 1975 song, ‘The Pill’, which told the story of a woman who was glad she could take control of her reproductive choices. Some of Loretta’s songs, such as ‘Rated X’ and ‘Wings Upon Your Horns’, were deemed so inappropriate at the time they were banned from radio stations around the world. Remarkably, the youth of the era still found a way to listen to the music. 

Her first hit to reach No. 1 was ‘Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)’. It was the first song by a female country music artist to sell over half-a-million copies. The top spot was never far away for Loretta, with a string of other hits including ‘Women of the World’, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ and ‘I’m A Honky Tonk Girl’ also becoming massive hits around the world.

Throughout her career, the mother-of-six penned more than 160 songs and released 60 albums, selling nearly 46 million albums around the globe. Former US President Barack Obama awarded her with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013, noting Loretta’s contribution to a male-dominated music industry.

Loretta was awarded with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Billboard Legacy Award and even has a rose named in her honour.

More recently, she hasn’t been able to perform for her fans. Taking to her social media accounts, Loretta told fans that she wished she could still entertain them, but health issues had got in the way.

“I sure miss being out on the road singin’ for all of yall, [SIC]” she wrote last month, noting that her granddaughter Tayla regularly performs her biggest hits for fans around America.

Sadly, Loretta was hospitalised last year after suffering a stroke. She also took a nasty fall earlier this year, fracturing her hip. However, her sister, Crystal Gayle, assured fans that the country music icon was doing well.

“She is in good spirits and is doing as well as can be expected with this type of injury,” she wrote. “Thank you for your love, prayers and continued support!”

Happy birthday, Loretta! Do you have a birthday message for Loretta?