14 April 1932
Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. She would eventually become one of country music's legendary singers, renowned for her songs about her personal life and role as a woman in society.
10 January 1948
At the young age of 15, Loretta Lynn (née Webb) marries Oliver Vanetta Lynn, commonly known as 'Doolittle' Lynn. Their sometimes tumultuous marriage would last until his death in 1996 and greatly influence her music.
1 February 1960
Loretta Lynn releases her first single, 'I'm a Honky Tonk Girl', which becomes a minor hit and launches her career in country music, later leading to her signing with Decca Records.
25 September 1962
Loretta Lynn makes her debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, which is a significant milestone for any country music artist as it represents a major endorsement of talent within the industry.
11 February 1967
Lynn achieves her first number-one hit on the Billboard Country Singles chart with the song, 'Don't Come Home A'Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind).'
5 October 1970
Loretta Lynn releases the autobiographical song 'Coal Miner's Daughter', which goes on to become one of her signature songs and encapsulates her upbringing in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky.
13 September 1972
Loretta Lynn is named 'Entertainer of the Year' by the Country Music Association, becoming the first woman to receive this prestigious award, cementing her position as a trailblazer for female artists in country music.
10 February 1976
Her autobiography, 'Coal Miner's Daughter', is published, detailing her life from childhood in Kentucky to her success in country music. The book would later be adapted into an Oscar-winning film.
7 March 1980
The film adaptation of Lynn's autobiography, 'Coal Miner's Daughter', premieres, and it goes on to be a critical and commercial success, with Sissy Spacek winning an Academy Award for her portrayal of Lynn.
3 October 1988
Loretta Lynn's contributions to country music are recognized as she is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor that highlights her as one of the definitive figures in the genre.
22 August 1996
Loretta Lynn's husband, Oliver 'Doolittle' Lynn, passes away. Their marriage lasted almost 50 years and was an integral part of her life story and music career.
27 April 2004
Loretta Lynn released the critically acclaimed album 'Van Lear Rose,' produced by Jack White. The album represented a remarkable commercial and critical comeback, earning several Grammy Awards and hailed as a cross-generational hit.
10 November 2010
The Recording Academy presented Loretta Lynn with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an award given to artists who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the field of recording.
12 September 2013
Loretta Lynn was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. This honor is the highest civilian award of the United States and recognizes individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
4 March 2016
Loretta Lynn released 'Full Circle,' her first new studio album in over ten years. This album featured new songs and reinterpretations of her classic hits, showcasing her timeless talent and ongoing relevance in the country music scene.
1 April 2019
An all-star tribute concert to celebrate Loretta Lynn's 87th birthday took place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring performances by numerous artists and showcasing Lynn's enduring influence in the country music world.
19 March 2021
Loretta Lynn released her 50th studio album titled 'Still Woman Enough,' a collection of new recordings and updated versions of her classic songs. The album was another testament to Lynn's ongoing place as a central figure in country music.
4 October 2022
Loretta Lynn, the legendary country music singer-songwriter, passed away at the age of 90. Her death was confirmed by her family, who stated she died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Lynn's career spanned several decades, during which she became known for her groundbreaking role as a strong, independent voice for women in country music. Her hits included 'Coal Miner's Daughter,' 'You Ain't Woman Enough,' and 'Don't Come Home A'Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)'.