New book from Loretta Lynn to be released posthumously

The book is a collection of uplifting prayers and lyrics co-authored by Kim McLean

Loretta Lynn’s family and estate will release a new book she completed just before her passing, A Song and a Prayer, on May 23rd from Worthy Books.

“Originally slated to come out in December, Mom worked all summer to complete this book. It was so important to her because she had never devoted an entire book to her faith. Mom was always open about her faith but it was a deeply personal matter to her, one in which we knew at the core was the most important thing in her life. Her passing has made this project all the more special to us and we know her fans will feel the same way,” states daughter Patsy Lynn Russell.

It’s been over 60 years since the late Loretta Lynn first rose to stardom, transforming from a coal miner’s daughter to the Queen of Country Music. Loretta knew she was blessed—to record music, to sing her songs to such great crowds, and to write books. Her final offering, A Song and A Prayer, is a collection of prayers combined with song lyrics inspired by her songwriting sessions with fellow hit songwriter and co-author, ordained minister Dr. Kim McLean.

“My writing sessions with Loretta were inspired by our friendship and faith,” adds Dr. McLean. “She always told me we need to ‘write it the way we say it,’ and these are the things she felt were important to say. It is a capstone project, and a culmination of her wholehearted, unapologetic love of God, of people, and of life. We were similar in many ways and connected on a soul level, but her fans know that’s the only way Loretta ever connected – heart to heart. We laughed all the time when we wrote, sometimes argued, then laughed again. This book came about so naturally. Loretta said this project was special to her, and I’m honored to be her collaborator and friend. She was such an inspiration.”

This volume will become a cherished companion for Loretta Lynn fans and readers everywhere as they strive to live each precious moment to the fullest and happiest. Through A Song and A Prayer, readers of all faiths and walks of life will have the opportunity to bask in a month’s worth of spiritual encouragement from Loretta’s own resilient faith. In a busy world, Loretta’s lyrics and prayers remind readers that God loves them more than they could imagine.

Loretta Lynn has produced multiple Gold albums and boasts an impressive 60-year country music track record, during which she has sold over 45 million albums and produced 16 No. 1 hit singles and 11 No. 1 albums. She has received numerous awards and other accolades for her groundbreaking role in country music, including awards from both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music as a duet partner and an individual artist. She is the most awarded female country recording artist and the only female ACM Artist of the Decade (1970s). Lynn died last year at the age of 90.

Kim McLean is a Dove award-winning singer-songwriter, twice Grammy nominated, who has had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack and others. She has garnered awards from NSAI, ASCAP, and the Just Plain Folks Americana Song of the Year, and has TV/Film credits that include shows on NBC, CBS, and ABC. She is a music producer and has worked with major labels, Curb and Sony, as well as many indie artists. Kim travels extensively as a keynote speaker/singer. She was instrumental in developing a songwriting program at Trevecca University in Nashville, which she directed for over a decade. She earned her MA in religion in 2008 and is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene as well as a Doctor of Education. She has served as a worship leader and is currently the lead pastor of Music City West Church in Nashville, TN.

 

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn