Loretta Lynn’s family is mourning the loss of her granddaughter, Lynn Massey, who passed away last week, at nearly the same age as her mother, Betty Sue Lynn, when she died.
The family of the “Fist City” singer shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support they have received.
The family of Loretta Lynn, the beloved country music legend, announced on social media that her first grandchild, Lynn Massey, has died following a prolonged health struggle.
Loretta Lynn performs onstage at the BBC Music showcase during the 2016 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 17, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Lynn was the daughter of Betty Sue Lynn, one of Loretta’s six children. In the heartfelt message, the family expressed, “Our family is so grateful for the prayers and love continually shown to us.”
Loretta Lynn at The Recording Academy Honors – Nashville Chapter, on April 9, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
“The Pill” singer’s family shared the message alongside a touching photo of her granddaughter, asking for continued prayers as the family copes with this profound loss.
They also released a statement, noting that Lynn died on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The statement read, “She was Loretta’s first grandchild and only 11 months younger than Loretta’s twin daughters, her youngest children. Lynn was 59 years old.”
Lynn’s mother passed away more than ten years ago at almost the same age as her daughter. Betty died on July 29, 2013, at the age of 64, due to complications from emphysema. According to the family’s statement, she passed away in Waverly, Tennessee, near her mother’s ranch in Hurricane Mills.
Betty Sue Lynn, the firstborn of Loretta Lynn, from an Instagram post, dated July 29, 2022 | Source: Instagram/lorettalynnofficial/
She left behind her two daughters, Lynn and Audrey Dryer, as well as five grandchildren. Now, Audrey and the rest of Loretta’s family mourn the loss of Lynn.
Loretta, who hailed from the coalfields of eastern Kentucky famously detailed her life in her autobiography and song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
She shared an emotional tribute on Instagram following the death of Betty. Reflecting on the profound bond they shared, she expressed the deep sorrow she felt since Betty’s passing.
“She was first. It was Betty Sue who made me a momma. I was just 16 when she was born and three more weren’t too far behind her,” penned Loretta.
Betty Sue Lynn, the firstborn of Loretta Lynn, from an Instagram post, dated July 29, 2022 | Source: Instagram/lorettalynnofficial/
The singer recalled the busy days filled with housework, gardening, and caring for the little ones. Betty quickly took on a leadership role among her siblings, becoming a little boss to the younger three.
In her tribute, Loretta described Betty as “feisty” and “fun,” emphasizing the special connection they had, often feeling like they raised each other.
Betty Sue Lynn (R), the firstborn of Loretta Lynn, from an Instagram post, dated July 29, 2022 | Source: Instagram/lorettalynnofficial/
“Over the years Betty Sue worked with me a lot with the ranch and entertaining. She was an amazing songwriter, too. She loved people, she loved to cut up and she had fun wherever she was,” gushed Loretta.
Loretta highlighted Betty’s kind heart, noting that she always took care of others, ensuring that no one, neither people nor animals, went hungry if she could help it.
Betty’s love for her small junk shop and the joy she found in visiting with everyone who stopped by was also fondly remembered. Loretta spoke of how they talked on the phone daily and saw each other often when she was home.
Loretta Lynn in concert in Verona, New York, on September 14, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
“It felt like part of my heart died when she left us. I hated seeing her sick, but I didn’t want to let her go. She was more than a daughter; she was a best friend. She’s been gone for nine years and it feels like I haven’t seen her or heard her voice in forever,” an emotional Loretta shared.
The singer expressed her longing to sit down with Betty just one more time, to talk, laugh, and sing together. Despite Betty being 63 when she passed, Loretta emphasized that no parent should ever have to bury a child, a heartache she has experienced twice. “I’ve buried two of mine and there’s no pain like it,” she disclosed.
Loretta Lynn at the Kennedy Center Honors – Honorees’ Dinner Hosted by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Mrs. Powell in Washington, DC, on December 6, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Ending her tribute, Loretta urged others to make peace, forgive, and cherish the time spent with loved ones, reminding everyone that time is fleeting.
She asked people to remember to tell the people they cherish that they love them. “Momma loves and misses you, Betty Sue,” she concluded, underscoring the enduring pain of her loss.
