Introduction
When country royalty Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert united on November 9, 2022, at the 56th CMA Awards, they didn’t just perform; they channeled the spirit of Loretta Lynn, celebrating her trailblazing songs and six‑decade legacy in a way that felt intimate, powerful and joyously authentic.
Loretta Lynn—known as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter”—passed away peacefully at 90 on October 4, 2022, leaving behind a catalog of boundary‑pushing hits that spoke raw truths about love, hardship and female empowerment. To open Country Music’s Biggest Night at Bridgestone Arena, CMA producers chose a medley of Lynn’s defining anthems, performed by three generations of female stars who herself inspired .
Carrie Underwood: “You Ain’t Woman Enough”
Underwood kicked things off with Lynn’s 1966 hit “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” her crystal‑clear powerhouse vocals backed by a full band that made every lyric land like a conversation among friends.
Miranda Lambert: “Don’t Come Home A‑Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)”
Next, Lambert swaggered in on the bluesy groove of “Don’t Come Home A‑Drinkin’,” capturing Lynn’s sassy defiance and giving the song a fresh edge while honoring its 1973 origins.
Reba McEntire: “You’re Lookin’ at Country”
Reba then lent her warm, crystalline tone to “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” transforming the 1971 track into a communal celebration—her every run and trill felt like a wink to Loretta herself.
Grand Finale: “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
Finally, all three stars joined voices on “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the song that cemented Lynn’s place in history. As snapshots of Lynn played on the big screen, the audience roared, bridging past and present in a moment of collective nostalgia and reverence.
What made this tribute so affecting wasn’t just vocal fireworks—it was the sense that these women were carrying Loretta’s torch forward, reminding us that her stories of hardship, humor and heart remain vital. Watching them trade smiles and encouraging glances, you felt part of a sisterhood that spans generations.