Ryman unveils Lynn statue

The detailed bronze likeness was added to the permanent outdoor exhibition on the venue's grounds. Created as a way to honor those who have made significant contributions to the hRyman and Nashville, Lynn's statue joins likenesses of Little Jimmy Dickens and Bill Monroe. Both statues were unveiled in 2017 as part of the Ryman's 125 anniversary celebration.

Lynn who was unable to attend, said, "I will never forget the morning Dolittle and I pulled in and parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium for the very first time. It was 1960, and I had a number 14 Record on the charts called 'I'm A Honky Tonk Girl.' My dream, like thousands of other singers, was just to sing on the Grand Ole Opry. Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry has been one of the greatest honors of my life. For many years I've stood on the stage of the Ryman, and there's no place like it. Now they're unveiling this statue in my honor. It's like I'm going to get to be there for many more years to come. It means so much to have the statue and to be a part of all of these wonderful artists. One day soon I'm gonna get to come up there and see it for myself. But for today I want to say thank you, and I love each and every one of you for thinking of me."

The Ryman team collaborated once again with artist Ben Watts, the talent behind the Dickens and Monroe statues for the tribute to Lynn, which took a year to create.

="I don't think it's possible to tell the history of the Opry or Ryman without Loretta," Colin Reed, Chairman & CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said with the small socially distanced group gathered to mark the unveiling as well as those watching live on the Ryman's Facebook page. "She is a trailblazer who has remained one of the most beloved entertainers to ever set foot on that stage."

Visitors can find the "Coal Miner's Daughter" standing at the northwest corner of the building near the venue's driveway on Fifth Avenue next to the likeness of Monroe. Dickens stands atop the Ryman's main steps facing Fourth Avenue. Monroe's likeness is flanked by a Tennessee Historical Commission marker describing the night bluegrass took the stage at the Ryman for the first time in 1945.