Carrie Underwood Remembers The First Time She Met Loretta Lynn

Country music legend Loretta Lynn passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Born in 1932, the "Coal Miner's Daughter" spent six decades in the music industry before she passed away peacefully in her sleep on her Tennessee ranch.

Her family posted a statement on social media requesting privacy as they grieve, adding that details regarding a public memorial to honor her legacy will be announced in due time.

Many fans and famous friends, especially in the country music community, took to social media on Tuesday to pay tribute to the late singer, including "American Idol" alum Carrie Underwood.

On Tuesday, the “Jesus, Take The Wheel” singer shared a glamorous photo of Loretta Lynn in a red dress, leaning back against a support beam as she cradles her guitar.

“The first time I met Loretta Lynn was at the Grand Ole Opry at beginning of my career,” Carrie began. “I was chatting in the corner with another artist and someone walked behind me and smacked me on the rear end! I turned around and there she was…in a big sparkly dress…laughing as she continued to walk down the hall at what she had just done…”

“This is one of my most favorite stories to tell. I think it sums up her personality pretty well,” she continued. “She was a cantankerous little pistol…friendly and sweet…never afraid to be herself and speak her mind.”

“Over the years, I have had the honor of singing for her…and also with her…in some of the most special moments of my career,” she went on. “She is irreplaceable. She will be incredibly missed…but her legacy lives on in those of us whom she has influenced.”

“I am truly grateful to have known such an amazing woman and artist,” the "Before He Cheats" singer concluded. “Thank you, Loretta, for showing us how it’s done. May you Rest In Peace in the arms of Jesus and add your heavenly voice to the angel choir. Love you!”

Many fans commented on her “thoughtful tribute,” with one fan writing, “Loretta definitely a legend 😊. Certainly made her mark in history! She was looking so frail. She’s at peace now. Her music will live on 🤗!” Another follower commented, “Thanking for sharing that amazing story & the beautiful tribute. The world is a little less sparkly without her. 💔.”

“I love this, what a sweet moment and true inspiration….fly with the angels Ms. Loretta your legacy will live on forever 🤎,” a third fan added. “This is why we love country music. The stories. The people. The impact of Jesus on us all. Thanks, sweet @carrieunderwood for this lovely tribute,” another follower shared.

"God Gave Me You" singer Blake Shelton tweeted, "Terrible news about Loretta Lynn passing away… Prayers to her family."

"9 to 5" singer Dolly Parton shared a short statement on her social media accounts to express her condolences for the passing of her late friend.

“So sorry to hear about my sister, friend Loretta. We’ve been like sisters all the years we’ve been in Nashville and she was a wonderful human being, wonderful talent, had millions of fans and I’m one of them.”

“I miss her dearly as we all will,” she concluded. “May she rest in peace.”

"Achy Breaky Heart" singer Billy Ray Cyrus tweeted, "Celebrating the life of Loretta Lynn. One of my highest honors was being joined by her and George Jones on a song I wrote called 'Country Music Has The Blues'. She handed me this wonderful gift on that day."

"Help Me Hold On" singer Travis Tritt tweeted,  So sad to hear of the passing of ⁦@LorettaLynn⁩. She was always an inspiration to those of us grew up listening to and loving real country music. Her kindness, strength and devotion to country music and her fans will be deeply missed. They don’t make ‘em like her anymore."