Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Emmy Russell Fights Back Tears During Heavenly Tribute At The Opry
Emmy Russell Fights Back Tears Honoring Grandmother Loretta Lynn At The Grand Ole Opry
Published November 10, 2025 | By Miranda Raye
The spirit of Loretta Lynn continues to shine brightly through her granddaughter, Emmy Russell, who delivered a moving tribute that left the Grand Ole Opry audience in tears.
During the Opry 100 Honors tribute show in May 2025, Emmy performed “Lay Me Down,” a song that holds deep meaning in her family’s history. The touching moment was later shared online, allowing fans around the world to witness Emmy’s emotional performance.
A Granddaughter’s Heartfelt Tribute To “Memaw”
Loretta Lynn wasn’t just a country legend — to Emmy, she was “Memaw,” a guiding light and source of faith. The two shared an unbreakable bond that went beyond music.
“The best advice she ever gave me was to love God,” Emmy once said. “She was such a lover of God and always told me, ‘Listen to Him and follow His voice.’”
That faith and love were evident as Emmy took the Opry stage, visibly holding back tears as she sang:
“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.”
The song, originally recorded in 2016 as Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson’s only duet, speaks to peace, legacy, and eternal rest — themes that resonated deeply with both the late icon and her granddaughter.
Remembering Loretta Lynn Through Music
Loretta Lynn passed away in 2022 at the age of 90, leaving behind one of the most remarkable legacies in country music history. Not long after her death, Emmy took part in her memorial service at the Opry, performing “Lay Me Down” alongside Lukas Nelson, Willie’s son.
Now, years later, revisiting the same song at the same sacred stage made the performance even more poignant. Every note seemed to carry both pain and peace — a conversation between generations of strong, faithful women bound by music.
When the Opry later released the video of Emmy’s performance, fans flooded the comments with words of love and admiration. Many said they could “feel Loretta smiling down.”
Emmy Russell’s “American Idol” Journey
Country fans may also remember Emmy from her emotional run on American Idol in 2024, where she reached the Top 5. She earned praise for her honesty, vulnerability, and ability to connect deeply with the audience.
Her most unforgettable Idol moment came when she performed “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Loretta Lynn’s signature song. Emmy reimagined the classic with her own style, while preserving the raw soul that made the original legendary.
The performance went viral, touching millions and reminding the world that Loretta’s legacy continues — not just through her music, but through Emmy’s heart.
🎥 Watch Emmy Russell’s moving performance of “Lay Me Down” at the Grand Ole Opry below.