Everything to Know About Loretta Lynn’s Siblings Including Stepsister

Considered the queen of country music of the '60s, Loretta Lynn was a trailblazer of a woman in the male-dominated industry.

The ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ singer stirred up Nashville by songwriting.

Her songs touched on boundary-pushing topics and represented fearless women while raising voices for the rights of the weak.

In her 2018 interview with TODAY, Lynn said that songwriting was more important to her than singing. When asked about the reason, the singer replied, “That’s my life. And I write about my life.”

No doubt, Lynn's life has been one heck of a story. She has been through a lot as the second child among eight children, growing up in extreme poverty during the Great Depression.

An old picture of Loretta Lynn with her parents and siblings. (Source: Instagram)

The siblings admittedly had nothing but love and perseverance. And persevere they did. 

While Lynn went on to mark her name in the music industry, some of her siblings followed in her footsteps, living their lives in public. Some others remained out of the spotlight.

Here’s what you should know about Lynn’s siblings.

Melvin Webb Jr.

The Grammy-award-winning singer's eldest sibling was her brother Melvin Webb Jr.

Born in 1929, Webb Jr. was named after their loving father, Mevin Webb. 

He reportedly had nine kids with his wife, Bonnie Faye Webb, and preferred life out of the spotlight. He died in 1993. 

Herman Webb

Herman Webb was the third child after Lynn, born in 1934. He died in July 2018, at the age of 83.

Lynn’s youngest sister, Crystal Gayle, confirmed his death in her social media post dated July 28, 2018.

She reminisced about the touring days with his band and called him a “great musician.”

As per her accounts, Herman was a friendly guide to the fans who visited Butcher Holler to see the childhood home of the Queen of Country Music after she sang her famous song, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter.’

"I'm amazed at the number of people who come here to see this," Webb said in a 2002 interview with the Associated Press. "I've seen 200 to 300 cars drive up this hollow on certain days."

Willie 'Jay' Lee Webb

Willie “Jay” Lee Webb, more popularly known as Jay Lee Webb, was another of Lynn’s siblings who pursued a musical career.

Loretta Lynn's younger brother Jay Lee Webb. (Source: Instagram)

He is best known for his song, ‘I Come Home A-Drinkin,’ an answer to Lynn’s song ‘Don't Come Home A Drinkin (With Lovin’ On Your Mind).’

Jay died on July 31, 1996, at the age of 58. 

Donald Ray Webb

Donald Ray Webb was one of Lynn’s brothers who preferred to live a life away from the public eye, even though he shared his siblings' musical talent. 

He performed the song ‘Clock on the Wall’ for Gayle's 1978 compilation album I've Cried the Blue Right Out of My Eyes.

Donald died on October 13, 2017. He is survived by his wife Debra Webb and four children. 

According to his obituary, he was “very proud that he was a recorded songwriter." 

Peggy Sue Wright

Like her elder sister Lynn, Peggy Sue Wright also had a career as a country music singer.

Wright made her solo debut in 1969 with ‘I'm Dynamite,’ a song written for her by Lynn.

Loretta Lynn's sister Peggy Sue Wright. (Source: Instagram)

Wright and Lynn co-wrote the number one hit song, ‘Don't Come Home A Drinkin(With Lovin’ On Your Mind).’ Her most successful single was ‘All-American Husband.’ 

Later, her music career subsided, and Wright worked as a backup singer for her sister Gayle and designed stage costumes. 

Betty Ruth Hopkins

Betty Ruth Hopkins was the only Webb sister that lived a private life.

Loretta Lynn with her sisters Betty Ruth Hopkins, Crystal Gayle, and Peggy Sue Wright. (Source: Instagram)

We only know that Lynn named her eldest daughter after her sister, calling her Betty Sue. 

Crystal Gayle

Lynn’s youngest sibling, Gayle, was born Brenda Gail Webb in 1951. 

Inspired and encouraged by her elder sister, Gayle became one of the most widely recognized female country singers of her time.

Loretta Lynn's youngest sister Crystal Gayle. (Source: Instagram)

A shift towards a country-pop style was more successful for Gayle.

She won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal for her jazz-flavored pop ballad ‘Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.’

Gayle has had many hits throughout her career, and she is still performing today.

Besides the mentioned biological siblings, Lynn also has a step-sister named Lawanda Butcher Pegram.