Loretta Lynn’s Husband to Receive Posthumous Military Honor

Loretta Lynn’s late husband is set to be honored. The country legend’s Instagram account shared the news, revealing that Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn Jr. will be recognized at the WWII Ranger Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington DC.

Lynn’s husband was a WWII Ranger in E Company, 5th Ranger Battalion. As such, he will be one of the soldiers honored during the ceremony, which will be held at Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center on June 26.

“We are so happy that his granddaughter Beth will attend the ceremony in his honor on behalf of the Lynn family,” the post read. “We’re so proud of his service and thankful he’s being honored with this award!”

The post included a two photos of Lynn Jr., as well as one of him with his wife.

Loretta Lynn’s Marriage and Family

The Lynns tied the knot in 1948 when she was 15 and her then-beau was 21.

They had six children and 26 grandchildren together. Lynn Jr. died in 1996 of diabetes-related health problems and heart failure. Lynn died in 2022 at age 90.

Before her death, Lynn made it known how proud she was of her husband’s military service, as well as that of two of her sons.

“Here they are–my three favorite veterans–my husband Doo, and my boys Jack and Ernie,” Lynn wrote on Instagram on Veteran’s Day in 2020. “Y’all look how young Doolittle is here! I always thought my boys looked so handsome in their uniforms.”

“I was so proud of them for serving. I’ve always loved our Veterans,” she added. “Thanks to all you men and women out there who have served our nation. We are grateful!”

It was Lynn Jr. who encouraged the singer to pursue her career in music. Per her website, “Doo heard her singing at her chores and declared that she sounded just as good as anyone he heard on the radio. He bought her a guitar and told her to learn how to play it and write songs with it.”

She did just that and an iconic career was born.