Loretta Lynn met Oliver Vanetta “Doolittle” Lynn, her husband, for the following 48 years until he died in 1996 when she was only 15.
Despite their long-term relationship, it was far from flawless; Lynn described the heartbreak of Doo’s repeated infidelities throughout their marriage in her novel Still Woman Enough.
Lynn’s life had been far from simple growing up in coal-mining Kentucky, with a father who worked as a miner and seven younger siblings.
Nonetheless, she became renowned with an astonishing six-decade career, including 50 studio albums and live performances, even at 89.
Despite her timidity, Loretta Lynn’s husband, Doo, encouraged her to pursue a singing career, even going so far as to buy her first guitar for $17.
However, his violent tendencies due to his excessive alcoholism strained their relationship.
Lynn recalled several intense arguments between the two and how she frequently answered with an equally strong hand; on one occasion, she bathed him in crushed corn, and on another, she heard teeth hitting the floor.
Despite their turbulent marriage and Doo’s aggressive behavior, Lynn remained with him for the sake of their six children.
Doo and the narrator of this story married when she was still young, and they had an unshakable bond. He showered her with love and affection, making her feel secure and safe. Their marriage, however, was filled with troubles due to Doo’s drinking.
These difficulties, however, had a beneficial outcome in that she could express herself via music, utilizing it as a container for all the anguish and emotion in her life.
Despite their complicated relationship, Loretta Lynn was struck with grief after her beloved husband died. She soon moved to Nashville and spent the following year in distress.
Lynn struggled to accept his leaving despite the countless infidelities and disputes that marred their marriage. Her sorrow and sadness were so intense that it took her a year to recognize them.
Even though they are no longer physically apart, Loretta Lynn’s family and friends still grieve her loss and find solace in the thought that they will be together in death. During this challenging time, our thoughts are with those closest to her.
