CMA Awards Show Kicks Off With All-Star Loretta Lynn Tribute Performance

The 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards kicked off in epic style at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday night (November 9).

Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert took the stage to deliver an emotional tribute to Loretta Lynn. The tribute came 50 years after Lynn accomplished something no woman in country music before her had done….she was named the CMA’s first female Entertainer of the Year.

In 1972, Loretta Lynn received a standing ovation as she walked up on the CMA Awards stage and was presented with the Entertainer of the Year trophy by legendary comedian Minnie Pearl and renown guitarist Chet Atkins.

“I’d like to say that I’ve won a lot of awards, and this is one that I’ve been nominated for before but I never did get,” Lynn told the crowd. “This, I think, is the only one that I haven’t gotten.”

Lynn shared that while she was happy about the win, her excitement was overshadowed by absence of her husband, Doo.

“My husband is gone huntin’…he couldn’t make it back in to share my happiness with me,” Lynn joked.

Loretta Lynn passed away October 4, 2022, at the age of 90. Her family announced the news on social media with a statement that read, “Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.”

A statement from the family of Loretta Lynn.

“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home at her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.” The family of Loretta Lynn.

— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) October 4, 2022

The Coal Miner’s Daughter has been honored in many ways since her passing, but Wednesday night’s tribute performance was special due to the fact that it was delivered by women who were inspired and influenced by Loretta Lynn. Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert have each followed in Loretta’s footsteps with incredible country music careers of their own.

The tribute started with a replay of Loretta’s history-making Entertainer of the Year win followed by Carrie Underwood singing Lynn’s 1966 hit “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).” Miranda Lambert followed with a cover of “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin'” also from 1966. Reba was the last to take the stage to sing Loretta’s 1971 release “You’re Lookin’ at Country.” The ladies then came together to sing Lynn’s signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Some of Loretta’s family could be seen in the crowd singing along as they wiped away tears.

Watch Reba, Carrie and Miranda pay tribute to Loretta Lynn in the video below.