Loretta Lynn surprised fans with an appearance at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction Sunday night to speak about inductee Alan Jackson.
It was the first time 85-year-old Lynn has appeared in public since having a stroke in May. Jackson requested that she be the one to induct him.
“This is the first time I’ve been out of the house, Alan,” Lynn said as the crowd of 800 gave her a standing ovation, People reported. “You’re the only thing that would've brought me here.”
Although Lynn was shaky on her feet and was helped to the podium by her daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and George Strait, she spoke with her characteristic wit and grace.
She related her experience first meeting Jackson: “He looked like a scared little boy. He was practicing backstage, going through his songs, and I remember I looked at him. I said, ‘You gonna be one of the greatest singers in country music.’ He hasn’t let me down,” Lynn said, People reported.
Jackson had Lynn help him put on the medallion that formalized his induction.
Jackson, 57, was also paid tribute with songs by Lee Ann Womack, Alison Krauss, and George Strait.
He recognized his family, crew and fans in his speech, and said, “I’m just a singer of simple songs,” a line from “Where Were You,” which was released in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks.
Jackson has sold 60 million albums during his career, which is still ongoing. “[I’ll] just continue to try to make country music as long as I can,” Jackson finished.
Lynn’s performance schedule and new album have been pushed back to 2018, but she plans to get back to work as soon as she can, People reported.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.