Loretta Lynn Mourns the Loss Of Beloved Friend, Gloria Jean Land: ‘We Were Family’

Loretta Lynn is mourning the loss of her longtime friend, Gloria Jean Land, whose life was celebrated at the Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum in Tennessee on Tuesday (Aug. 30).

The country music icon took to social media to remember her late friend, who she said became an honorary member of the Lynn family.

Today, my family honored the life of Gloria at the museum here at the ranch—a place she’s spent a lot of time. Gloria gave her all for the Lynn family and she became family. I can never put into words how much I love her. My kids loved her without end.

— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) August 30, 2022

“Today, my family honored the life of Gloria at the museum here at the ranch—a place she’s spent a lot of time,” Lynn wrote on Twitter. “Gloria gave her all for the Lynn family and she became family. I can never put into words how much I love her. My kids loved her without end.”

“She loved my kids like they were her own and I never could have been on the road without the peace of mind having her with them gave me. Our hearts hurt that she’s gone,” she continued.

In addition to sharing a heartfelt message, Lynn also shared a photo of herself with her late friend.

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A post shared by Loretta Lynn (@lorettalynnofficial)

“We didn’t know that this picture from last Christmas would be our last one together,” Lynn added. “A lot of years under the bridge, memories, stories, laughter, tears, and a few wrinkles… but we always picked it right back up like friends who have become sisters do! We love you, Gloria.”

Lynn then shared a photo of the invitation to Gloria Jean’s memorial service, which read “The Lynn Family wishes to invite you to come join them in celebrating the life of a beloved family member, at a special tribute memorial to be held in her honor.”

According to the graphic, the memorial took place on Tuesday, August 30, at the Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

Gloria Jean Land passed away on August 20 from natural causes at the age of 87, according to her Legacy obituary.

Legacy also reported that Land “played an instrumental role in raising the Lynn’s six children,” and that she “became a second mom” to her children, especially her twin daughters, Peggy and Patsy, who were less than a year old when Land became a part of their lives.

Lynn has shared numerous times that she would’ve never been able to accomplish all that she has within her iconic career in Country music without the help of her late friend Gloria.

“She kept my babies safe and she loved them as if they were her own,” a statement from Loretta Lynn read (per Legacy). “I have lost a sister. We were family and we as a family will miss Gloria she left us so well.”

In December of 2021, Lynn shared a heartfelt message for her friend Gloria, who visited her during the holiday season. In the message, Lynn credits Gloria for caring for children while she traveled, while ultimately allowing her to have a career in Country music. 

“This picture represents 55 years of love and friendship. I was so happy to see Gloria this weekend. She came on board in 1966–the twins were 6-months-old, Cissie, 11, and Ernest Ray, 12,” Lynn wrote at the time. “She soon became family and is still with us! I could have never been on the road, had a career if it weren’t for her. Not just because my kids were safe and cared for but because I knew they were loved.”

She continued, “She loved ‘em like her own and I adore her for always loving them so well. It took two of us and I couldn’t have done it without her. I treasure this little Arkansas girl and the world will never fully understand all she did for me and all she means to me!”