Loretta Lynn Remembers Her Late Husband Doolittle On Their 74th Anniversary

Loretta Lynn shared a remembrance of her husband, Oliver Lynn, Jr. (also known as "Doolittle") to mark what would have been the couple's 74th anniversary on Monday (Jan. 10). In her heartfelt tribute, Lynn reflected on their time together, expressing how their love transformed her life. She posted a touching message alongside a cherished photo of the two of them smiling, stating, "74 years ago, my life changed forever when I married Doolittle. We had 48 years together and I sure wish he was still here! I miss him."

In her post, she included the hashtag #loveisthefoundation, paying homage to her 1973 studio album and its titular song, which became Lynn's seventh No. 1 hit in her solo career as a country artist. This poignant reminder of their love story showcases the deep bond they shared, despite the challenges they faced throughout their marriage.

Lynn and Doolittle married on January 10, 1948, when she was just 15 and he was 21. Their connection was not only romantic but also pivotal in her music career. Doolittle inspired many of her tender love ballads and helped her navigate the music industry. He gifted her first guitar and encouraged her to overcome her stage fright. Together, they self-promoted her debut single, "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl," sending copies to radio stations and driving from their home in Washington State to Nashville for her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1960.

Lynn and Doolittle's journey was not without its difficulties. They faced challenges, including Doolittle's struggles with alcoholism, which led to infidelity and abuse. Despite these hardships, Lynn remained committed to her husband, explaining her decision to stay for the sake of their children: "I didn't need him, but he was my kids' daddy. Why leave hearts laying on the floor for me? I had to think of my kids," she recounted in a 2002 CBS interview.

In 1996, Doolittle passed away, and Lynn honored him by singing "Wouldn't It Be Great?", a song she wrote for him, during his final moments. Their nearly five-decade-long marriage was filled with love, challenges, and a shared passion for music that continued to resonate in Lynn's career and personal life.

The legacy of their love story serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships and the enduring power of love, even in the face of adversity.

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