Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn shared a deep friendship over the years, but surprisingly, they only recorded one duet together: the hauntingly beautiful “Lay Me Down,” released in 2016.
In this gentle ballad, they sing, “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.” The song became a quiet testament to both of their legacies, a soft prayer wrapped in melody.
After Loretta’s passing, Willie remembered her fondly, saying she was not only an incredible artist and songwriter but also a beautiful soul he would deeply miss.
In a touching tribute, Loretta’s family organized a public memorial at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on October 30, 2022. The service, broadcast live by CMT, allowed fans everywhere to honor Loretta’s memory.
A particularly moving moment from the memorial came when Loretta’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, and Willie’s son, Lukas Nelson, took the stage to perform “Lay Me Down.” Their stripped-back, heartfelt rendition was so powerful that it sent chills through the audience, a reminder of the enduring bond between their families and the music they carry forward.
CMT described the performance as “emotional,” and that’s an understatement. It’s the kind of performance that makes you pause, reflect, and, yes, brings tears to your eyes.
Their duet resonated so deeply that it was later nominated for CMT Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. On the red carpet, Emmy shared the wisdom her grandmother had instilled in her: “The most advice she gave me throughout the years was to love God… listen to Him and follow His voice.”
Emmy continues to honor her grandmother’s legacy while carving out her own musical path. She later competed on Season 22 of American Idol, where she made it into the Top 5, proving that the spirit of Loretta Lynn’s music lives on in her.
You can watch Lukas and Emmy’s unforgettable performance of “Lay Me Down” below, a tribute that would surely make Willie and Loretta proud.
