Loretta Lynn Exhibit to Open at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
"I am so excited for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s exhibit to open this month,” said Lynn.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will honor one of country music’s most iconic acts when the new exhibit, Loretta Lynn: Blue Kentucky Girl, opens later this month. Honoring the life and career of Loretta Lynn, the exhibition will feature many of the singer’s personal artifacts, ranging from her signature dresses to an original manuscript of her song “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
“Owen Bradley once described Loretta Lynn as ‘the female Hank Williams,’” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “Like Williams did, Loretta has created music that echoes the challenges and joys of the working class. She has influenced countless artists who followed her, and her unique sound continues to transcend genre and inspire her many listeners. We are thrilled to share the story of this ‘blue Kentucky girl,’ and we look forward to the day when Loretta feels well enough to see the exhibit herself.”
“I am so excited for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s exhibit to open this month,” added Lynn. “It’s gonna show off my 50 some odd years in country music, and I’m so proud to share my life and music with the museum. Y’all come see us!”
Lynn is currently at home as she recovers from a stroke she suffered in May. As she regains her health, the singer has postponed the release of her latest collection, Wouldn’t It Be Great, and has also cancelled the remaining dates of her 2017 tour.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating its 50th year in 2017 with memorable exhibits from Loretta Lynn, Jason Aldean, Shania Twain and an additional one from Faith Hill and Tim McGraw opening in November.
Loretta Lynn: Blue Kentucky Girl opens Aug. 25, 2017 and will run through Aug. 5, 2018.
Loretta Lynn: Blue Kentucky Girl exhibition highlights include:
• Lynn’s original handwritten manuscript for her chart-topping 1970 hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
• The 1956 model 99 Singer sewing machine Lynn used to make her own stage clothes very early in her career.
• American DR-332 ribbon microphone used by Lynn at her first recording session, in Western Recorders Studio, Los Angeles, February 1960. She cut her first single, “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” and three more original songs at the session.
• Red-and-white polka-dot dress with sequins and silver-cord trim, made by Lynn when she was fourteen. Sissy Spacek wore the dress when she portrayed Lynn in the film Coal Miner’s Daughter.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented to Lynn by President Obama in 2013.
• Green chiffon Lillie Rubin gown worn by Lynn at the 1972 CMA Awards, where she was named Entertainer of the Year.
• 1956 Gibson J-50, used extensively by Lynn in performance and for songwriting. It was given to her in 1961 by her husband, Doolittle “Mooney” Lynn, who made the Formica pickguard.
• Red dress embellished with beads and sequins, worn by Lynn on the cover of her 1968 album Fist City.
