In a statement, Lynn’s family said the singer “passed away peacefully” in her sleep at her Tennessee home.
Fans and fellow musicians like Dolly Parton shared tributes on social media. Parton said Lynn was a “wonderful human being, wonderful talent” and “we’ve been like sisters all these years we’ve been in Nashville.”
The Oak Ridge Boys took to Twitter to remember Lynn, saying, “Very sad news this morning … LORETTA LYNN has gone home … Great Britain lost their Queen … now we have lost ours … Rest easy ma’am. You were loved all …”
Kacey Musgraves shared a tweet that was simply the name “Loretta,” with a broken heart emoji.
Award-winning singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson honored Lynn, saying, “In tribute to the legend she was, here’s her cover of Kris’ ‘Me and Bobby McGee.’ Rest in Peace, Loretta.”
Stella Parton shared a photo of herself with Lynn, saying, “My heart is broken with the news of my sweet friend Loretta Lynn passing. I will remember all the sweet visits and laughs we shared. RIP sweet angel.”
Singer-songwriter k.d. lang said simply, “Swift rebirth my friend.”
Singer-songwriter Margo Price, who collaborated with Lynn on a new version of Lynn’s hit song, “One’s on the Way,” shared a heartfelt tribute.
Even historic sites joined in offering tributes to Lynn, with the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville saying: “Loretta was a trailblazer for women, a country music icon, and a beacon of light to all those around her. We will miss you, @LorettaLynn. Your legacy will live on forever here at the mother church.”
Tennessee’s historic Grand Ole Opry shared a photo of Lynn, saying, “60 years of Opry membership, countless memories, songs and stories. Our Opry family turns to music when words fail. Thank you for all you’ve given to the Opry, @LorettaLynn. We love you.”
Lynn’s younger sister, fellow singer and country star Crystal Gayle, posted on Facebook: “The world lost a legend. We lost a sister. Love you Loretta.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum released a statement which said: “Loretta Lynn’s life was unlike any other, yet she drew from it a body of work that resonates with people everywhere. In a music business that is often concerned with aspiration and fantasy, Loretta insisted on sharing her own brash and brave truth.”
Kid Rock posted a photo of himself with Lynn and a personal tribute, saying: “RIP Miss Loretta. I find it very difficult to put your beautiful soul, talent and friendship into words right now... so I will use the ones you said to me and so many others, so many times... ‘I love you honey.’”
Politicians from Lynn’s native Tennessee offered tributes to the singer. Sen. Marsha Blackburn tweeted: “We’ve lost a true Tennessee treasure today. Loretta Lynn was a force to be reckoned with and a pioneer for women in country music. My prayers are with her family and all who loved her dearly. She will be missed.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said on Twitter: “Today, all of Kentucky mourns the loss of our very own Loretta Lynn. She was a legend who blazed a trail in country music while telling the stories of Appalachia and Kentucky. She will be greatly missed, but her words and impact will live on forever.”
The Libertarian Party of Tennessee remembered Lynn for her public service, saying: “RIP to one of Tennessee’s many treasures, Loretta Lynn. We’ll never forget her kind heart especially after the Waynesboro floods with her charity concert at the Grand Ole Opry.”
Fans also shared videos of Lynn’s iconic performances, including her final public performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” on her 87th birthday in 2019.
The U.S. Naval Institute shared a photo of Lynn from 1983 when she performed on several ships while touring with the USO, noting that one of her concerts was interrupted when missile fire was spotted over Beirut.
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 02: Loretta Lynn performs in concert during Rodeo Austin at the Travis County Expo Center on March 2, 2014 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/FilmMagic) (Gary Miller/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years Circa 1980, American country singer and songwriter Loretta Lynn performs on stage, wearing a long dress. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) (Getty Images/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years LOUISVILLE, KY - JULY 25: Loretta Lynn performs during Day 3 of the 2010 Hullabalou Music Festival at Churchill Downs on July 25, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images) (Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years American country music singer Loretta Lynn rests her head on her hand and reclines on a couch near some audio equipment, February 24, 1975. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years BUTCHER HOLLER, KY - CIRCA 1955: Country singer Loretta Lynn poses for a portrait with a man (perhaps her husband Mooney) in circa 1955 in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Loretta Lynn and Sissy Spacek pose in the press room at the 44th Annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 10, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) (Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years (Original Caption) Buena Park, California: "Country" Family. Here's a kind of royal family of country music. Loretta Lynn (Center) poses with her mother, Clara Butcher, and sister, Crystal Gayle, at the 15th annual "Academy of Country Music Awards" ceremonies at Knott's Berry Farm May 1. Loretta and Crystal both won awards. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years ATHENS, GA - MAY 14: Loretta Lynn performs at the Classic Center on May 14, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Chris McKay/WireImage) (Chris McKay/WireImage via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years LOUISVILLE, KY - MARCH 31: Loretta Lynn performs at The Louisville Palace on March 31, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images) (Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years From left to right, American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie, country music singer Loretta Lynn and record producer Quincy Jones, at the American Music Awards, USA, 27th January 1985. (Photo by Ron Wolfson/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 17: Singer Loretta Lynn performs onstage at Stubbs on March 17, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images) (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years Buena Park, CA - 1976: Loretta Lynn performing on the ABC tv special '1976 / 11th Academy of Country Music Awards', at the Palladium. (Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images) (Walt Disney Television Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - 1997: American country music singer-songwriter Lorreta Lynn poses for a portrait with her piano circa 1997 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ron Davis/Getty Images) (Ron Davis/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years Buena Park, CA - 1976: Loretta Lynn presenting on the ABC tv special '1976 / 11th Academy of Country Music Awards', at the Palladium. (Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images) (Walt Disney Television Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 22: HOF members Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn attend the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Hosts Medallion Ceremony To Celebrate 2017 Hall Of Fame Inductees Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed And Don Schlitz at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 22, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum) (Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 04: Loretta Lynn and Family attend Loretta Lynn and Jack White Induction Into The Nashville Walk Of Fame on June 4, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Photos: Loretta Lynn through the years NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 20: A statue of the legendary country artist Loretta Lynn is seen outside the Ryman Auditorium on October 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)