Loretta Lynn Son Ernest: A Journey Through His Life

Introduction

Ernest Ray Lynn, popularly known as Ernest Lynn, is the eldest son of the legendary country music singer Loretta Lynn. He was born on December 27, 1954, in Butcher Hollow, a small mining community in Kentucky. Ernest has had a fascinating life filled with ups and downs, and this article will take you through his journey.

Early Life

Ernest was the first child of Loretta and her husband, Oliver Vanetta Lynn, Jr., also known as “Doolittle” or “Mooney.” He grew up with his siblings, Peggy, Betty Sue, and Jack Benny, in a small cabin in Butcher Hollow. Ernest helped his parents with their chores, including taking care of the farm animals and collecting firewood.

Ernest was also interested in music from a young age, and he often sang with his mother and siblings at local events. However, his life changed when he was just thirteen years old.

Tragic Accident

In 1967, Ernest and his twin sisters, Peggy and Patsy, were riding in the family’s Ford Galaxy when they were involved in a tragic accident. The car rolled over several times, and Patsy died instantly, while Peggy suffered severe injuries. Ernest was also badly injured and had to undergo surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. He remained in a coma for several weeks.

Ernest’s recovery was slow, and he had to undergo extensive physical therapy to learn how to walk and talk again. The accident left a deep scar on the Lynn family, and it affected Ernest’s relationship with his mother.

Music Career

Despite the tragedy, Ernest pursued a career in music. He formed a band called “The Lynns” with his younger sister, Patsy, and they performed at local venues. In 1982, Ernest released his debut album, “I’m Country Strong,” which received critical acclaim.

Ernest’s music career was not as successful as his mother’s, but he continued to perform and record music. He also collaborated with his mother on several songs, including “Honky Tonk Girl” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Personal Life

Ernest has had a tumultuous personal life. He has been married four times and has six children. His first marriage was to his high school sweetheart, Cynthia, and they had two children together. However, the marriage ended in divorce.

Ernest’s second marriage was to Joretta Lynn, his cousin and Loretta’s niece. They had two children together but divorced in 2005. Ernest’s third marriage was to Tanya, but they divorced after just one year. Ernest is currently married to Crystal, and they have two children together.

Legal Troubles

Ernest has also had his share of legal troubles. In 2002, he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He was also arrested several times for domestic violence and assault. However, he has since turned his life around and is now a born-again Christian.

Relationship with Loretta Lynn

Ernest’s relationship with his mother has been rocky over the years. The accident that killed his sister and left him injured created a rift between them. Loretta blamed Ernest for the accident, and their relationship suffered as a result.

However, in recent years, their relationship has improved. Ernest appeared on his mother’s album, “Full Circle,” in 2016, and they performed together at several events. Loretta has also spoken publicly about how proud she is of Ernest and his music career.

Conclusion

Ernest Lynn’s life has been filled with challenges, but he has persevered through them all. He has had a successful music career, despite not achieving the same level of fame as his mother. He has also overcome personal and legal troubles and is now a devoted family man and Christian. Ernest’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.