Earlier this week, Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart, and Hank Williams Jr. received country music’s highest honor. The three icons entered the Country Music Hall of Fame as the class of 2020. This accolade comes after years of great music and service to the genre as a whole from each of the new inductees. They didn’t just receive medallions and get their names on a list, though. Stuart, Dillon, and Bocephus became part of an elite club of country stars. Loretta Lynn is more than happy to have them join the ranks and she wanted to let the world know about it. At the same time, she wanted to congratulate the newest members of country music’s most elite institution.
Last night, Loretta Lynn took to her Instagram account to welcome the new inductees to the Hall of Fame. She posted a photo of Hank Williams Jr., Marty Stuart, and Dean Dillon and added a sweet caption.
In the post’s caption, Loretta Lynn wrote, “What a trio! Congrats to these three. I’m tickled pink to see them included in the Country Music Hall of Fame! Congrats, boys!” Then, Loretta ended her post with a series of hashtags including #WelcomeToTheClub.
Loretta Lynn Joined the Club in 1988
We all know that Loretta Lynn is country music royalty. Even Dolly Parton says that the title of Queen of Country Music belongs to Loretta. She’s an incredible singer and songwriter. Over the years, she’s penned classics such as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” and “You’re Lookin’ at Country.” Additionally, her outspoken support of women’s empowerment has made her an inspiration for generations of ladies in country music and beyond.
Outside of her talents and legacy, the most endearing thing about Loretta Lynn is her nearly boundless humility. She showed the world a great example of that humility in 1988 when she joined the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Johnny Cash inducted Loretta Lynn into the CMHOF. He gave a glowing speech about Lynn’s talents, determination, and heart before inviting her up to the podium. Her reaction was absolutely priceless.
After thanking everyone in attendance and gathering her thoughts, Loretta Lynn said, “I would have dressed up if I’d have known this.” Then, she said that Minnie Pearl told her it might happen. Lynn didn’t believe it. In fact, she bet Pearl $5 that it wouldn’t happen. It was probably the best bet she ever lost.
“I don’t have a speech because I never saw this happening to me – gettin’ into the Hall of Fame. I could see the Hall of Shame, but not the Hall of Fame,” Loretta Lynn joked. After thanking her longtime producer Owen Bradley, she concluded with, “Thank all of you. God bless you. I don’t deserve it.”
We’ll have to agree to disagree.
