Although Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson were close friends for decades, they only ever recorded one duet together — a hauntingly beautiful song called “Lay Me Down” in 2016.
The lyrics carry the weight of a goodbye:
“When they lay me down someday, my soul will rise, then fly away. This old world will turn around. I’ll be at peace when they lay me down.”
It would be their only duet — and, in many ways, it became a gentle farewell.
Loretta passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 90. Willie, heartbroken, honored her with a simple yet powerful tribute:
“Loretta was a good friend and fantastically talented. She was a great writer, singer, and human being. I’ll miss her a lot.”
Not long after her passing, Loretta’s family hosted a public memorial at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, a place that held deep meaning in her life. Fans across the country watched as CMT aired the tribute live.
One of the most unforgettable moments came when Willie’s son, Lukas Nelson, and Loretta’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, stepped onstage to perform “Lay Me Down.” Their voices, fragile yet powerful, wrapped around each lyric like a warm farewell — it was raw, emotional, and deeply moving.
CMT later called the performance “emotional,” but that barely scratches the surface. It was the kind of moment that stops time. Lukas and Emmy didn’t just sing — they mourned, honored, and carried forward a legacy. Their tribute earned a nomination for CMT Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
On the red carpet, Emmy was asked about the best advice Loretta ever gave her. Without hesitation, she said:
“The most advice she’s given me throughout the years was to love God. She was such a lover of God… She always told me, ‘Listen to Him and follow His voice.’”
That night, Loretta’s voice lived on through Emmy and Lukas. Their performance wasn’t just a song — it was a promise to keep the flame burning.
Emmy later made it to the Top 5 on American Idol Season 22. And just like her grandmother, she’s forging her path with grace, grit, and a heart full of faith.
