The country music legend Loretta Lynn was given a major honor on Tuesday, when a statue of her was unveiled on the Ryman’s Icon Walk in Nashville, Tennessee.
Fox 17 reported that Lynn’s statue joins sculptures of the likes of Little Jimmy Dickens and “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe. Her daughters Patsy Russell and Peggy Lynn were in attendance at the unveiling, as their 88 year-old mother unfortunately could not attend.
Though she was not able to be at the event herself, Lynn made it clear that this honor meant a lot to her by reminiscing about her first time going to Ryman’s Auditorium.
“I will never forget the morning Dolittle and I pulled in and parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium for the very first time. It was 1960 and I had a No. 14 Record on the charts called ‘I’m A Honky Tonk Girl.’ My dream, like thousands of other singers, was just to sing on the Grand Ole Opry. Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
For many years I’ve stood on the stage of the Ryman and there’s no place like it. Now they’re unveiling this statue in my honor. It’s like I’m going to get to be there for many more years to come. It means so much to have the statue and to be a part of all of these wonderful artists. One day soon I’m gonna get to come up there and see it for myself. But for today I want to say thank you and I love each and every one of you for thinking of me.”
Colin Reed, Chairman & CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said that Lynn’s statue was erected in order to ensure that she will always be part of the soul of Nashville.
“I don’t think it’s possible to tell the history of the Opry or Ryman without Loretta,” Reed said. “She is a trailblazer who has remained one of the most beloved entertainers to ever set foot on that stage.”
The Ryman’s Icon Walk is made up of bronze statues that honors legends in music who have paved the way for performers in Nashville. Lynn certainly belongs in that mix of iconic entertainers!
Loretta Lynn statue unveiled at The Ryman as part of the Icon Walk. @LorettaLynn @theryman https://t.co/a7LndBszB0
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) October 20, 2020
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