Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter and Willie Nelson’s Son Rekindle the Magic in a Memorable Duet

Despite the long-standing friendship between country music legends Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson, their joint ventures in the studio were few, culminating in a single, memorable track, “Lay Me Down,” unveiled in 2016.

The song, with its touching lines such as, “When they lay me down someday, my soul will rise, then fly away,” struck a chord with listeners, beautifully expressing themes of serenity and the acceptance of life’s end.

After Loretta Lynn’s death on October 4, at 90, Willie Nelson honored his long-time friend, celebrating her exceptional gifts as a lyricist, vocalist, and person.

A public commemoration for Loretta at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House saw Willie’s son, Lukas Nelson, and Loretta’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, perform a moving version of “Lay Me Down.” This live performance, aired by CMT, touched the hearts of many, drawing tears of both grief and admiration.

This touching homage caught the attention of many, leading to Lukas and Emmy’s performance being nominated for the CMT Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, showcasing the lasting power of Loretta Lynn’s influence.

Emmy Russell, reflecting on her grandmother’s sage advice, recounted Loretta’s urging to embrace faith and follow divine guidance, a reflection of Loretta’s own deep faith and the lasting imprint she left through her art and personal life.