Loved ones and fellow artists including George Strait and Wynonna will honor the late Loretta Lynn in a public memorial service from Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House on Sunday, Oct. 30.
The country music world always honors its late legends thoughtfully and with tremendous displays of inspired musicianship. Months ago we saw Wynonna stand strong and sing like an angel to honor her mom. Further back, we cherish the touching memory of Vince Gill trying unsuccessfully not to cry while crooning for George Jones' service.
We knew in recent weeks, after settling into the collective grief over the loss of Loretta Lynn, that the country communicty would do right by her and honor her publicly and reverently.
That time has come: On Sunday, Oct. 30, friends, family, and fellow icons will gather at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville for a live, uninterrupted service. It airs on CMT at 7 pm ET/ 6 pm CT, repeats with encore showings Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 8 pm ET/7pm CT, and Nov. 6 at 11 am ET/10 am CT. Also: SiriusXM will also carry the broadcast via Willie’s Roadhouse: Willie Nelson’s Classic Country channel (Channel 59). Next year, the special will live on via Paramount+.
From the release that went out regarding this weekend's memorial:
Hosted by NBC’s “Today Show” co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager, the public celebration will feature never-before-seen performances and collaborations, with special guest appearances from some of the biggest names in entertainment. Performers include Brandi Carlile, Crystal Gayle, Darius Rucker, Emmy Russell & Lukas Nelson, George Strait, The Highwomen with Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna, along with special appearances from Loretta’s closest friends and family, including Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw.
This Sunday won't be fans' only chance to celebrate Lynn, the brilliant performer and songwriter who influenced generations of artists in all genres. Her legacy will be felt when up-and-coming women of country including Bowen Young, Miko Marks, and Caylee Hammack gather for a live show Nov. 8 at City Winery in Nashville.
Dubbed CMT's Next Women of Country, the event will feature Loretta's music exclusively. No word on whether parts of the event will air on TV, but if you're in Nashville you can look into attending.