Remember When Loretta Lynn Became the First Female CMA Entertainer of the Year?

Going into the 1972 CMA Awards, a female had yet to be recognized with the top honor of Entertainer of the Year. But that year, future Country Music Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn was there to shake things up.

During the televised broadcast, Minnie Pearl enthusiastically announced Lynn as the winner and all she could do was hike up her emerald green dress and run to the stage to claim her prize. She showed her humility and sense of humor as she began her acceptance speech.

“I’d like to say that I’ve won a lot of awards, and this is one that I have been nominated for, but I never did get. This, I think, is the only one that I haven’t gotten,” she stated. “I’m real happy, but the only thing I’m kind of sad about is my husband is going hunting. He couldn’t make it back in to share my happiness with me. Thank you.”

The “Coal Miner’s Daughter” singer went on to celebrate her award by naming her next album Entertainer of the Year – Loretta. On this album, she continued to push the boundaries and knock down the wall of the country music boys’ club.

Lynn is only one of five solo female acts to ever take home the EOTY award. Other winners include Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Barbra Mandrell, Shania Twain, and Taylor Swift. The Dixie Chicks also won the honor as a female group.

Since her big win in 1972, Lynn has continuously been honored for her achievements. These include her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.