Loretta Lynn, whose songs of strength and independence made her a standard-bearer for women in country music, has died at the age of 90.
Known as the Queen of Country music, her songs were rooted in real-life experience, most notably on the autobiographical Coal Miner’s Daughter.
Other hits included Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’, Honky Tonk Girl and the feminist anthem, The Pill.
Lynn’s family said she died on Tuesday at her home in Tennessee.
In a statement, they wrote: “Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4, in her sleep at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.”
They ask for privacy as they grieve and say a memorial would be announced later.
Lynn earned her first number one with Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ in 1966 and topped the US country charts another 15 times.
She recorded 60 albums in total, and was nominated for 18 Grammy Awards, winning three.