Lynn Honored with Van Lear Rose

A new rose has been named in honor of country legend Loretta Lynn. The “Loretta Lynn Van Lear,” named after the Grammy-winning album Van Lear Rose, will be delivered to Lynn’s ranch in the spring of 2011 and will be available for purchase by the fall of 2011.

“Roses have always been so special to me—I’ve loved them since I was a girl,” said Loretta. “So to have a rose named after one of my albums … well, I’m not sure I quite have the words for that! I’m just very, very honored. I can’t wait to have those Van Lear roses blooming in my yard!” she added.

The rose is classified as a floribunda, an ever-blooming hybrid with a deep apricot color. The plant will grow to roughly two feet, making it an ideal size for gardens and large containers.

Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton presented Lynn with the rose in celebration of her 50-year career and the recent release of Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn. The album, released on November 9^th, features artists Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Kid Rock and Paramore, among others, covering Lynn’s beloved songs.

2010 was an exciting year for Lynn. She was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January, recognizing her legacy and considerable career achievements. The Coal Miner’s Daughter album was one of 25 sound recordings chosen for preservation within the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, noting its cultural, historic and aesthetic significance. In October, the Recording Academy presented Lynn with the President’s Merit Award, honoring her contributions to country music. 2010 also marked the 50th anniversary of Lynn’s chart debut in 1960.