Lynn Massey, granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, passes away after enduring health struggles
The family of Loretta Lynn is mourning the passing of the iconic country music star’s eldest granddaughter.
Official Instagram and Facebook accounts of the late legend, who passed away two years ago at 90, announced Lynn Massey’s death last week.
“Lynn Massey, daughter of Betty Sue and Loretta’s first grandchild, has left us after a prolonged and tough battle with health issues,” the family’s statement revealed. “We deeply appreciate all the prayers and love we have received.”
The announcement featured a photo of Massey, 59, grinning widely next to shelves filled with her grandmother’s vinyl records. She entered the world just 11 months after Loretta Lynn’s youngest twins, Peggy and Patsy.
Family representative Chad Gallagher confirmed that Massey passed away on August 20.
Betty Sue, Massey’s mother and the eldest child of Loretta, died in 2013 due to complications from emphysema, as reported by The Associated Press.
“My heart goes out to this WONDERFUL family,” one fan expressed. “Sending so much love,” added Jewel.
Loretta Lynn, known as a coal miner’s daughter who wed at 15, became a mother of four as she embarked on her music career in the 1960s. She was among the first female stars to compose her own songs, shattering traditional gender roles with hits like “Rated ‘X'” and “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).”
She was the first woman to earn the title of entertainer of the year at both the Country Music Association Awards (1972) and the Academy of Country Music Awards (1975).
Among Lynn’s 26 grandchildren, Emmy Russell recently competed on “American Idol,” reaching the top five in Season 22, where she performed her grandmother’s famous song “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Another granddaughter, Tayla Lynn, is a singer-songwriter actively touring with Tre Twitty, the grandson of Conway Twitty.
Lynn’s grandson, Jeffrey Allen Lynn, tragically passed away at 47 in 2016, according to an announcement on her website at that time.
With contributions from: Peter Cooper, The (Nashville) Tennessean