Carrie Underwood and her mom create a memorable moment with an onstage duet.

While Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson had a longstanding camaraderie within the country music sphere, their instances of joining forces in the studio were infrequent. This rarity made their 2016 duet “Lay Me Down” particularly significant.

The song, touching upon themes of mortality with lyrics like “When they lay me down someday, my soul will rise, then fly away,” resonated deeply with audiences, capturing a tranquil acceptance of life’s eventual end.

Upon Loretta Lynn’s passing on October 4 at the age of 90, Willie Nelson shared his high regard for Lynn’s unparalleled talent as a singer, songwriter, and person. A notable tribute at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville brought together Willie’s son, Lukas Nelson, and Loretta’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, for a moving rendition of “Lay Me Down.” This performance, broadcast live on CMT, elicited deep emotions, bringing tears to the eyes of many who remembered and honored Lynn.

This heartfelt tribute caught wide attention, leading to a nomination for CMT Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, underscoring the enduring influence of Loretta Lynn’s legacy.

Reflecting on her grandmother’s legacy, Emmy Russell shared a piece of wisdom from Lynn: to love God and lead a life guided by His hand, emphasizing Lynn’s strong faith and the profound impact she made through her art and spirit.