Country legend Loretta Lynn has a massive, global fan following, so it's not a surprise that those fans were distraught upon learning of a heartbreaking development in the late country singer's family.
According to Fox News, Lynn's eldest granddaughter, Lynn Massey, died after a "long and difficult" health-related battle. She was 59.
Massey was Betty Sue Lynn's eldest daughter, and the first of six that she had with husband Oliver "Doolittle" Lynn. The two married at 15.
Details regarding Massey's health battle were not immediately available.
News of the saddening death was posted to Lynn's various social media pages. The family released a statement announcing her death.
Betty Sue’s daughter Lynn Massey, Loretta’s first grandchild, passed away this week after a long and difficult health battle. Our family is so grateful for the prayers and love continually shown to us. pic.twitter.com/KMjmun09g3
— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) August 22, 2024
"Betty Sue's daughter Lynn Massey, Loretta’s first grandchild, passed away this week after a long and difficult health battle," the family's announcement said. "Our family is so grateful for the prayers and love continually shown to us."
The family also confirmed the news to Fox News, providing more details in the statement to the network.
"We can confirm that Lynn, the daughter of Loretta’s oldest daughter Betty passed away this past week. Lynn was the eldest grandchild. She was only 11 months younger than Loretta’s twin daughters."
USA Today noted:
Loretta Lynn, a coal miner's daughter who married at 15, was famously a mother of four when she launched her career back in the 1960s. She was one of the first female music stars to write her own hits and challenged long-held notions about gender roles in hits like "Rated 'X' " and "Don’t Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)."
Given Massey's relation to one of the legends in the business, well wishes and condolences poured in across social media over the weekend.
"Prayers for your family, and best wishes in this time," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "May her soul rest in peace, and her family be comforted during their distress."
"Praying for your family, God bless you and your family. She is home now with Jesus praise his most holy name! Rest in peace my sister in Christ!" another user wrote.
