Loretta Lynn died on October 4 at the age of 90, after leading a remarkable life as one of country music’s most renowned and legendary vocalists. Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Vanetta Lynn, Jr., who died in 1996 at the age of 69.
Loretta and Oliver, sometimes known as Doolittle Lynn, had been married for over 50 years and had six children before his death. But their love was far from flawless, as Loretta admitted while she was still living.
Oliver was a talent manager
Oliver gets a lot of credit for Loretta’s country music success. Oliver pushed his wife to pursue singing by performing at local places after they moved to Custer, Washington one year after their wedding. Loretta’s first guitar, a $17 Harmony, was likewise purchased by him.
Loretta recorded her debut single, “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” in early 1960, and Oliver accompanied her as she toured the country to promote the smash tune. Loretta’s de facto talent manager, Oliver, was designated President of Loretta Lynn Enterprises Inc., which managed Loretta’s enterprises, in 1973. Oliver was also instrumental in Loretta’s debut appearance at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.
Oliver married Loretta one month after they met
When they met, Oliver was 21 years old, and Loretta was 15 years old. They married one month later, on January 10, 1948. Oliver and Loretta’s marriage experienced ups and downs, but they stayed together until Oliver died in August 1996. Loretta put her career on hold for five years in order to care for her husband before he died.
Loretta and Oliver appeared in the 1980 film Coal Miner’s Daughter, which was based on Loretta’s life. Loretta was played by Sissy Spacek, while Oliver was played by Tommy Lee Jones. The film received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
Oliver regularly cheated on Loretta
Loretta readily revealed to her husband’s adultery, drunkenness, and abuse over their five decades of marriage until her death, yet she still supported him. “Doo was a decent man who worked hard. But he was an alcoholic, and it had a long-term impact on our marriage,” she writes in her 2002 memoirs Still Woman Enough.
“He was a womanizer as well.” For a few years now, cheating husbands have been all over the news talk programs. Many women claim they don’t understand why women keep their dogs. “My narrative is about someone who did it—about myself.”
Loretta alleged in a 2002 interview with CBS News that Oliver momentarily abandoned her when she was pregnant and slept with her brother’s wife. She also mentioned her husband’s alleged physical assault. “He never hit me once and I didn’t punch him back twice,” she explained in an interview. Loretta also stated that she remained with Oliver since he was the biological father of her children. “I have to think of my children.” “I can’t be so self-centered,” she explained. “He shattered my heart many times, but it would have broken the hearts of the kids, wouldn’t it?”
The couple had six children together
Betty Sue, Jack Benny, Ernie, Cissie, and twins Peggy Jean and Patsy Eileen were born to Loretta and Oliver. Sadly, two of Loretta and Oliver’s children died. In July 1984, Jack Benny perished on the family property while attempting to cross their river on horseback. He was 34 years old at the time. Betty Sue died of emphysema on July 29, 2013, at the family property. She was 64 at the time.
Almost all of Loretta and Oliver’s surviving children have followed careers in country music. Cissy had a hit tune called “Rodeo Lady,” which went well on the charts. Peggy Jean and Patsy Eileen were nominated for CMA Vocal Duo of the Year in 1998 and 1999. Tayla Lynn, Ernie’s daughter, is also a country music artist.
Oliver died in 1996
Oliver died five days before his 70th birthday on August 22, 1996. He died of diabetes-related complications and heart failure. Oliver was laid to rest on the Lynn family’s Tennessee plantation.
Loretta used social media to celebrate the 26th anniversary of her husband’s death in August 2022. “I lost him 26 years ago today,” the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” hitmaker wrote beside two black-and-white flashback images of the couple. My Doo, my biggest fan, my real love.”
