Loretta Lynn Celebrates 89th Birthday Meet Her 6 Children, Some of Whom Inherited Her Talent

Publish date: 2024-04-17

Loretta Lynn is a country star and mother to six children, with her husband Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn, who are all keeping her legacy alive in the music industry.

While writing famous hits, releasing several albums, and winning over a dozen awards, Loretta Lynn raised six beautiful children who inherited her talents. Her experiences as a wife and mother are embedded in her songs.

The famous country singer herself came from a family-of-ten with parents who worked hard to make ends meet. Like them, she too was a full-time mom for over a decade before becoming an established singer. Here’s a look at the “Coal Miner’s Daughter’s” kids.

Loretta Lynn performs in concert during Rodeo Austin at the Travis County Expo Center on March 2, 2014 in Austin, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

JACK BENNY LYNN

“My life has run from misery to happiness -- and sometimes back to misery,” Lynn wrote in her autobiography, recalling the tragic passing of her oldest son, Jack Benny Lynn.

The award-winning artist’s favorite son went riding in their family ranch when he was 34 years old and never returned home. It was found that he drowned while crossing the Duck River on July 22, 1984.

Loretta's Hurricane Mills ranch boasts of concert venues, a camping site, and six museums. The land has hosted the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship since 1982.

Loretta Lynn performs onstage at Stubbs on March 17, 2016 in Austin, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

BETTY SUE LYNN

The “You Ain’t Woman Enough” artist lost another child, Betty Sue, in 2013, after a hard battle with emphysema. Like Jack, she was the oldest daughter of the country singer and is survived by her two daughters, Lynn Markworth and Audrey Dyer.

Patsy and Peggy’s talents were recognized with CMA Award nominations for Vocal Duo of the Year in both 1998 and 1999.

ERNEST RAY LYNN

Ernest Ray Lynn is the second son of the singer, who his family gave the nickname “Ernie.” Like his older sister, Betty Sue, Ernie inherited the vocal talents of his mother.

There have been multiple occasions wherein he got up on stage to perform alongside his legendary mother, showing the strong family genes.

CLARA MARIE “CISSIE” LYNN

Among the Grammy Award-winning artist kids, Clara Marie "Cissie" Lynn was the one who furthered her musical talents. Believing in her powerful vocals, her mom helped produce some of her work.

When Clara Marie grew up, she married a fellow singer-songwriter, John Beams. The couple traveled with their band on board a bus until they went back home to Clara's sick father.

PATSY LYNN AND PEGGY LYNN

The music icon’s youngest children came as twin daughters, Patsy and Peggy, who were named after special people in Lynn’s life. Like their sister, Clara Marie, the twins furthered their musical expertise by starting their own musical group called “The Lynns.”

Patsy and Peggy's talents were recognized with CMA Award nominations for Vocal Duo of the Year in 1998 and 1999, making their mother proud behind the scenes.

Loretta Lynn and her twins on a YouTube video. | Source: YouTube.com/PBSNewsHour

Loretta was only a teenager when she had her first child and had three more children by the time she was 20 years old. The artist also became a young grandmother at 34 when her eldest daughter tied the knot.

The award-winning singer was able to face motherhood challenges while launching her career because of her husband, Oliver "Doolittle" Lynn. Although the pair had an unstable relationship, they stayed side-by-side until Oliver's death.

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