Photos: Loretta Lynn Celebrates 50-Year Career

Loretta Lynn answers press questions during her 50th anniversary party. Photo: © Eric Adkins

Country music icon Loretta Lynn was showered with industry awards and heartfelt praise at a celebration marking her 50 years in country music on Friday (9/24) at her Hurricane Mills ranch outside Nashville.

The Academy of Country Music, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and BMI each made award presentations during the invitation-only event billed as “A Tribute to an American Icon.” Ronnie McDowell presented Lynn with a hand-painted portrait of the legendary performer, and noted Nashville composer Bill Walker gave Lynn an arrangement of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” originally penned for the television special, “Loretta Lynn on Broadway.”

Selected media and industry, as well as Lynn’s close friends and family, attended the packed ceremony. The evening’s activities included a catered reception, media Q&A session and the awards presentations, hosted by John Carter Cash. A performance by Lynn’s sister, Crystal Gayle, followed the event.

Pictured (l-r): ACM Pres./GAC executive Sarah Trahern, Loretta Lynn, ACM former Chairman John Grady, ACM current Chairman/CRB Execuive Director Bill Mayne. Photo: © Eric Adkins Photo.

BMI Director David Preston presented Lynn with an award commemorating her 50 years in the Country music industry. Photo: © Eric Adkins Photo.

John Carter Cash (l) looks on as Ronnie McDowell (c) presents Loretta Lynn with “Reflections of a Coal Miner’s Daughter,” his hand-painted portrait of her. Also pictured is Jim Sanders, owner of Loretta Lynn’s Kitchen restaurant. Photo: © Eric Adkins Photo.