Carly Pearce paid homage to Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
During Saturday’s showcase (March 20), the 30-year-old songbird treated her crowd to a special performance of an unreleased song titled “Dear Miss Loretta,” a tribute song dedicated to the legendary country star. Pearce, who wrote the song with Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, shared a clip from the emotional performance on Instagram.
In the seconds-long video, Pearce sings the lyrics: “Dear Miss Loretta, we both grew up too fast / and I wish you could tell me / how you made it last / I ain’t a coalminer's daughter / but I’ve sung it all my life / I ain’t been a widow but I’ve been an ex-wife / and I hear your truth and I feel your pain / now I know why you’ve sang that way / Yeah, I know why you sing that way.”
Taking to Instagram following the performance, Pearce also shared a heartfelt message for the 88-year-old icon.
“My grandma introduced to me to her music when I was a little girl, and made sure I understood that if I was going to sing country music being from Kentucky— I had to know the importance of Miss @lorettalynnofficial,” the “Next Girl” musician captioned the video. “I’ve always loved her, but it wasn’t until the last year that I really FELT what she’s sang about all these years— and just how much we really do have in common. … Thank you Loretta, for making me feel like it’s okay to write my truth and be unashamed.. just like you. 🤍 #dearmissloretta #opry.”
Elsewhere during her set, Pearce also delivered “29,” “Next Girl,” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” all tracks from her new album, 29.
Photo: YouTube