Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter & Willie Nelson’s Son Deliver Emotional Tribute with “Lay Me Down”

In a heart-touching moment that honored two country legends, Emmy Russell and Lukas Nelson—the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn and the son of Willie Nelson—performed a powerful duet at Loretta Lynn’s memorial service in 2022.

Held at the Grand Ole Opry House and broadcast live by CMT, the memorial featured the duo singing “Lay Me Down,” the only song Loretta and Willie ever recorded together in 2016. Lyrics like “When they lay me down someday, my soul will rise, then fly away” resonated deeply with fans mourning Loretta’s passing.

CMT described the performance as “emotional,” and viewers agreed—it earned a CMT Music Award nomination for Performance of the Year in 2023.

Reflecting on her grandmother’s wisdom, Emmy shared, “The best advice she gave me was to love God. She always said, ‘Listen to Him and follow His voice.’”

Emmy later continued the family legacy by reaching the Top 5 on Season 22 of American Idol, proving Loretta’s spirit still lives on—through song and through faith.