Loretta Lynn: Meet Her Six Kids And What They Are Up To

• Loretta Lynn’s six children are products of her 48 years of marriage to Oliver Lynn
• Two of the singer’s children Betty Sue and Jack Benny died in 1984 and 2013 respectively
• Most of Loretta’s children have made career’s in the music industry 

Loretta Lynn was a mother of six unfortunately only four of her children are still alive. She was preceded by her eldest children Betty Sue and Jack Benny. Nonetheless, Ernest Ray, Clara Marie, Peggy Jean, and Patsy Eileen have followed in her footsteps and are great country singers, songwriters, instrumentalists, and music producers.

While you would soon learn about Loretta’s children, you must have likely heard one or two songs from their mother who was an iconic singer. She was known for songs like You Aint Woman Enough, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’, and After the Fire is Gone. Following her passing at the age of 90 on the 4th of October 2022, interest has been drawn to her family and especially her children.

Loretta Lynn Had Six Children With Her Husband Oliver Lynn

As you would easily find, the You Aint Woman Enough singer was married to Oliver Lynn until his death in 1996. Their marriage spanned almost half a century and birthed six children namely; Betty Sue, Jack Benny, Clara Marie “Cissie”, Ernest Ray “Ernie”, and twins Peggy Jean and Patsy Eileen.

 The Oldest Child Of the Singer Betty Sue Lynn Died in 2013

• Date of Birth: November 26, 1948
• Age at death: 65 years old
• Occupation: Songwriter and singer

Betty Sue was the first child and daughter of the Love and Hardship singer Loretta Lynn and her husband Oliver Vanetta. She was born in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington, USA the same year her parents exchanged vows.

Being the first daughter of the family, Betty was so close to her parents, especially her mother Loretta. Though she didn’t pursue a career in singing, her mother revealed that she was an amazing songwriter and recorded a few tracks. Some songs she wrote for Loretta include; Medals for Mothers, Roll Muddy River, Before I’m Over You, The Other Woman, and The Home You’re Tearin’ Down. Betty also helped her mother by answering mail and planning events.

Sadly, Betty passed on at the age of 65 on July 29, 2013, in Waverly, Tennessee. She battled emphysema; a chronic pulmonary disease that affects oxygen flow from the lungs to the bloodstream. To honor Betty, her mother dedicated a private show at their ranch.

Betty was survived by two children Lynn Markworth and Audrey Dyer who were products of her marriage to her ex-husband Paul Markworth and 5 grandchildren.

Jack Benny was the First  Son of Lorretta Lynn

• Date of Birth: December 7, 1949
• Age at Death: 34 years old
• Occupation: Rancher

Jack Benny, the second child of Loretta and the first son of the family was born a year after his sister Betty. While he took after his mother’s lovely eyes, he was handsome, quiet, and outgoing like his father.

Unlike his sister, Betty who at least had an interest in entertainment, Jack served in the army after high school. He also enjoyed working on the family’s ranch, riding horses, and spending time with the family. In a post, his mother described him as a ‘looker’ since he was looking out for everyone including his grandmother, siblings, and son, Jeffrey.

Unfortunately, Jack died at the age of 34 in July 1984 during one of his horse rides while crossing the Duck River that ran through his parent’s ranch. The next day, his body was discovered by the sheriff’s search team after sighting a standing horse beneath a river bluff.

 Ernest Ray ‘Ernie’ Followed in His Mother’s Musical Career 

 

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• Date of Birth: May 27, 1951
• Age: 73 years old
• Occupation: Instrumentalist and singer

Ernest Ray Ernie is an American Country singer who grew up in Tennessee under the care of his parents and older siblings. As a child, he was always touring with his mother for several events and shows which build his confidence and also ignited his musical passion.

Though his fame is largely linked to his mother, Ernest is doing well for himself as a singer and has appeared in two documentaries named American Masters and Pop! Goes the Country. He has performed on stage with his mother during shows and also with his daughter, Tayla Lynn who is a thriving singer. Although he dropped singing for a while, he recently upheld a cover song on his Youtube channel and also does acoustic covers from time to time. Ernest also gets occupied with the family’s ranch work alongside his second wife Crystal Lynn.

He was previously married to Cindy Plemon, the mother of his first child Tayla. The pair divorced three years after their marriage. He is also a father to Alex Amaretto, his daughter from a secret affair with an unidentified woman.

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Clara Marie Lynn is a Business Woman and a Singer

• Date of Birth: April 7, 1952
• Age: 72 years old
• Occupation: Singer and Businesswoman

Clara is the fourth child of the family who did not only follow in her mother’s musical footsteps but also in her business sense. She is the owner of Cissie country store and music barn which she describes as a store, museum, and live music spot. In music, she usually performs alongside her husband and the band. Two of the band’s albums were produced by her mother, Loretta.

Clara Marie Lynn is married to John Beam, a fellow singer, and songwriter. The pair have been in each other’s company for concerts and shows

Peggy Jean and Patsy Eileen are the Most Famous of All Loretta Lynn’s Children

• Date of Birth: August 6, 1964
• Age: 60 years old
• Occupation: Singer and Producer

Loretta’s youngest children Peggy and Patsy are considered the most famous of the family. They both excel in the music industry as country singers or rather superstars. The twins were conceived when their mother was at the peak of her career and she feared for her singing career. As revealed by Loretta, she thought she was done giving birth until her bundle of surprise surfaced.

Nonetheless, she confessed that they made her feel younger and stronger. However, they had to grow up on stage since they were always with her. It came as no surprise that the twin followed in her footsteps and released the first two albums under Warner Brother Records. The album soon became a hit and ranked among the first 20 songs. Peggy and Patsy were also nominated in 1998 and 1999 for Best Vocal Duo at the CMA awards but did not win.

While the twins are always singing as a duo, they interestingly have different passions. Peggy enjoys performing, creating, and writing while Patsy loves producing and negotiating deals. She has over 100 songs for her mother Loretta Lynn.