Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn are two of the biggest names in country music. The two women ended up meeting in the 1950s when Lynn was just starting out her music career in Nashville and went on to become best friends.
"After I met Patsy, life got better for me because I fought back," Lynn explained to the Nashville Scene. "Before that, I just took it. I had to. I was 3,000 miles away from my mom and dad and had four little kids. There was nothin' I could do about it. But later on I starting speakin' my mind when things weren't right."
We've rounded up our favorite stories of two of country's biggest stars.
1. Cline helped boost Lynn's career
Lynn was a huge fan of Cline and found inspiration in her music even from her first record, Honky Tonk Girl. When Cline was hospitalized after a car accident, Lynn dedicated a performance to her on Ernest Tubb's Midnite Jamboree. Cline was touched and incredibly impressed by the Coal Miner's Daughter's singing skills, and invited her to meet her in the hospital. The two women hit it off as close friends and Cline took the future star under her wing. The country legends toured together, and Cline even leant Lynn her clothes when needed. That's true friendship.
2. Lynn helped erect a bell tower after Cline's death
After Cline's tragic death in a plane crash when she was only 30 years old, Lynn helped put up a bell tower in the singer's hometown of Winchester, Virginia. You can go visit the site today as well as tour her childhood home in Winchester. Fans over the years have left pennies on Cline's gravestone for good luck.
3. Lynn recorded a tribute album 14 years after Cline's death
I Remember Patsy was released in 1977. Lynn covers nine of Cline's greatest hits including "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces" and "Sweet Dreams."
4. Loretta Lynn has a daughter named after Cline
Patsy Lynn Russell shares a first name with the iconic Patsy Cline and "Lynn" with her mother. She is also quite the singer. How could she not be with those genes?
5. The Callie Khouri-directed Lifetime film includes the country stars daughters
The 2019 Lifetime movie biopic starring Megan Hilty and Jessie Mueller is centered around Patsy & Loretta Lynn's friendship.
Cline's daughter, Julie Fudge, and Lynn's daughter, Patsy Lynn Russell both served as co-producers on the film, which was shot in Nashville.
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