Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter and Willie Nelson’s Son Deliver an Unforgettable Duet That Honors Two Country Legends
Country music is built on legacy — and no performance has captured that spirit more powerfully than when Emmy Russell and Lukas Nelson stepped onstage to honor their legendary grandparents.
Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson shared a deep musical respect and lifelong friendship. Yet, in a surprising twist, the two country icons recorded only one duet together: the soul-stirring ballad “Lay Me Down,” released in 2016.
The lyrics, haunting and heartfelt, captured something timeless:
“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.”
More than just a song, it became a spiritual farewell — a melody filled with grace, humility, and legacy.
A Tribute That Brought the Country Music World to Tears
After Loretta Lynn’s passing in 2022, the country community came together to celebrate her extraordinary life and career. On October 30, 2022, the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville hosted a public memorial service — broadcast live on CMT — giving fans everywhere a chance to say goodbye.
But the most emotional moment of the evening came when Emmy Russell, Loretta’s granddaughter, and Lukas Nelson, Willie’s son, took the stage together.
Their bare-bones, acoustic rendition of “Lay Me Down” was raw, intimate, and profoundly moving. No special effects. No distractions. Just two hearts honoring the voices that shaped their lives — and in doing so, reminding everyone in the room that the legacy of country music is alive and thriving through the next generation.
Nominated for CMT Performance of the Year
The duet didn’t just touch the audience that night — it resonated far beyond the Opry’s walls. So much so, that Emmy and Lukas’s performance was nominated for CMT Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
CMT described the moment as “emotional,” but that barely captures it. For fans and fellow musicians alike, it was a tribute that stopped time — a rare performance that transcends music and becomes memory.
The Legacy Lives On Through Emmy Russell
On the red carpet following the nomination, Emmy shared a powerful message her grandmother instilled in her:
“The most advice she gave me throughout the years was to love God… listen to Him and follow His voice.”
Those words weren’t just sentimental — they were a guiding force.
In 2024, Emmy carried that wisdom with her as she competed on Season 22 of American Idol. Week after week, she delivered standout performances that took her all the way to the Top 5 — proving that talent, authenticity, and heart still matter in music.
Watch the Performance That Captured America’s Heart
The bond between Loretta and Willie was unique, and now that same connection lives on through Emmy and Lukas. Their duet of “Lay Me Down” wasn’t just a performance — it was a passing of the torch, a heartfelt promise to keep the music and meaning alive for generations to come.
Watch their unforgettable tribute below — a moment that would surely make Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson proud.
