Ernest Ray Lynn Had a Troubled Past - Facts about Loretta Lynn's Son

Ernest Ray Lynn is the son of legendary country music singer Loretta Lynn. Like his mother, he had a passion for music that saw the two form an unbreakable bond, despite all the troubles.

Sadly, Loretta Lynn died in her sleep early on October 4, 2022. She had lived for an incredible 90 years and enjoyed a prosperous music career. Her career spanned six decades and received significant recognition, which included winning the coveted Grammy award on multiple occasions.

Loretta's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988 confirmed her legacy in the industry. Still, her children have also followed in her path. Ernest also became a musician, something his mother treasured. It is beautiful that she celebrated Ernest's 69th birthday in May this year.

Ernest's Birth Was Hard For Loretta Lynn

Loretta's troubles with Ernest's pregnancy began even before Ernest had been conceived. She suffered two miscarriages before Ernest was finally born in Washington, DC, on May 27, 1953.

Still, the birth process was not a simple one for his mother. The delivery alone was a struggle, and it went on for three days and nights. The worsening situation was that Ernest's father, Oliver "Doo" Lynn, was absent throughout the process and only came to the hospital six days after Ernest had been delivered. Loretta said:

"I was there that whole week watching women's husbands walk up the drive carrying flowers and candy. I remember how the doctor who delivered Ernest Ray was real mad at Doo for not being with me, and for being so hard to find."

Ernest Ray Lynn's Siblings and Military Enlistment

Despite Loretta being just 19 when she had Ernest, he is the third-born child of Loretta Lynn's brood. His parents had married in January 1948 when his mother was only 15 years old and Oliver was 21. Before Ernest, there was Betty Sue, who was born in the same year that their parents got married.

One year later, in 1949, Ernest's older brother Jack Benny was born. Shortly after Ernest, his sister Clara Marie followed in 1952. Two more sisters, twins Patsy and Peggy, were born in 1964. In 1968, Ernest enlisted in the military and served in the Vietnam War as a mechanic in Okinawa.

Ernest has been caught on the wrong side of the law on a number of occasions.

Ernest Ray Followed in his Mother's Footsteps

Loretta began writing and singing around 1959 when Ernest was eight years old. She would become one of the most prominent artists in her genre. Along with the Grammy awards, she also has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded to her in 1978, among many other prestigious accolades.

Ernest, who also had a passion for music, used to travel with his mother to her performances, where he sometimes acted as an opener and bandmate, playing the guitar and vocals. The two were very close, spending much time together outside the music. Loretta referred to her son as her best friend.

Although he couldn't entirely build a musical career in the same way as his mother, he occasionally performed some songs. For instance, he performed the George Strait Acoustic Cover of the song "Troubadour" in 2021.

Ernest Ray Lynn's Daughter Also Became a Musician

Ernest and his first wife, Cynthia Plemons, have a daughter called Tayla Lynn. Tayla also has a passion for music and performance and has since followed in her father and grandmother's steps by becoming a musician herself. She was born with the family's music genes, claiming: "I started singing as soon as she opened my mouth."

The granddaughter of the country music superstar grew up seeing her Memaw [Loretta Lynn] and father perform while she was stageside. She was still a toddler when she first went on stage.

However, Tayla's professional music career began late. She only became a full-time musician when she was already in her 30s. Her journey started as a member of the country music group Stealing Angels. In 2012, she embarked on a solo career that was crowned by headlining her grandmother's tribute concert in 2018.

Ernest Had Problems With the Law

On several occasions, Ernest has been caught on the wrong side of the law. His transgressions range from selling cocaine to an undercover police officer to participating in a gunfight that left a woman crippled. He has also been the subject of multiple DUI infringements.

He now leads a quiet life with his second wife, Crystal Lynn.

One of his DUI offenses ended in tragedy after Ernest had a crash with his friend, Larry Claxton, in the passenger's seat. The accident resulted in the untimely death of Claxton. Ernest was charged with vehicular homicide as he had been driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident happened in 2004.

What is Ernest Doing Now?

Ernest had had quite an eventful life with many problems, some of which began before he was born — From his troubling birth, which came after some miscarriages, to various criminal incidents that caused his mother, Loretta Lynn, many troubled times.

However, he has also had some good moments under the sun, with none better than his friendship with his mother and his contribution to her life, both professionally and personally. His service in the military is another notable achievement.

He now leads a quiet life with his second wife, Crystal Lynn. The couple keeps out of the public eye and stays in Hurricane Mills in Humphreys County, Tennessee.

After his mother retired from performing in 2017, the Lynn family can be found on Loretta Lynn's ranch, where Ernest and Crystal do some farming and also look after the horses.