The room fell silent as Lukas Nelson played the first few chords of a song his dad, Willie, once sang with Loretta Lynn. Beside him stood Emmy Russell, Loretta’s granddaughter, in a soft lavender dress, already fighting back tears. Loretta had passed just weeks before, and Emmy’s voice shook with emotion. Lukas joined in, sounding so much like his father it gave everyone goosebumps. When they sang together, it felt less like a show and more like a moment of healing. It was past and future meeting in one heartfelt tribute—grief turned into music, and legacy kept alive.

Loretta Lynn And Willie Nelson Only Recorded One Song Together, It’s Called “Lay Me Down”

Although Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson were friends for decades, they only ever recorded one duet together. That duet was 2016’s “Lay Me Down.”

Some of the lyrics include, “When they lay me down someday, my soul will rise, then fly away. This old world will turn around. I’ll be at peace when they lay me down.”

Loretta passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 90. Willie paid tribute to his friend with a short and sweet message, saying:

“Loretta was a good friend and fantastically talented. She was a great writer, singer, and human being. I’ll miss her a lot.”

 

Meet Emmy Russell & Lukas Nelson

Loretta’s family held a public memorial service in her honor at the Grand Ole Opry house in Nashville on October 30, 2022. CMT broadcast the service live for fans to watch from home.

Willie’s son, Lukas Nelson, and Loretta’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, took to the stage to perform “Lay Me Down.” Their rendition of the duet will give you goosebumps when you watch the video below.

CMT described Lukas and Emmy’s performance as “emotional,” and that’s the truth. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself with tears in your eyes while you listen to them sing.

Later, Lukas and Emmy’s performance earned a nomination for CMT Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. While walking the red carpet, Emmy shared the best piece of advice she ever received from Loretta.

“The most advice that she has given me throughout the years was to love God,” she said. Emmy added, “She was such a lover of God and I think it was more of, ‘Listen to him and follow his voice.’”

Watch Emmy and Lukas’ award-nominated performance of “Lay Me Down” below. They made Loretta and Willie proud with this one…

Emmy was later a contestant on Season 22 of American Idol, and placed in the Top 5. She’s continuing her grandma’s musical legacy, but doing it in her way.

Watch the video down below and don’t forget to share this beautiful song with your friends and family…