Loretta Lynn‘s extensive repertoire features numerous songs dedicated to her husband, Oliver Vanetta Lynn Jr., affectionately known as “Doo” or “Doolittle.” These songs range from recounting his infidelities in tracks like “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” and “Fist City,” to addressing his penchant for drinking in songs like “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” and “Wouldn’t It Be Great?” There are also more tender moments captured in songs like “I’m All He’s Got (But He’s Got All Of Me)” and “Love Is The Foundation.”
Despite the ups and downs of their 48-year marriage, Oliver played a pivotal role in Loretta’s career. From purchasing her first guitar to helping her secure radio airplay, and serving as her talent manager for many years, his influence was profound. In her 2002 memoir Still Woman Enough, Lynn fondly reflected on their relationship, stating, “I married Doo when I wasn’t but a child and he was my life from that day on.” The couple first met when Lynn, then known as Webb, was just 15 and Doo was 21. They tied the knot in 1948, went on to have six children, and remained together until his passing in 1996 at the age of 69.
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Reflecting on their bond, Lynn emphasized the significance of Doo’s unwavering belief in her. “He thought I was something special, more special than anyone else in the world, and never let me forget it,” she shared. “That belief would be hard to shove out the door.”
Additionally, throughout Lynn’s career, there were several songs credited to Doo himself. Here’s a glimpse into three of his contributions.
1. “The Haunted House” (1964)
When Loretta Lynn was putting together her second album, Before I’m Over You, released back in 1964, she made sure to include a personal touch. She penned the heartfelt track “Where Were You,” while her husband Oliver Lynn, also known as “Doo,” contributed the haunting melody of “This Haunted House.”
The inspiration for “This Haunted House” came from a deeply emotional place for Loretta. It was shortly after the tragic loss of her close friend and mentor, Patsy Cline, in 1963. Recalling the moment she received the news, Loretta shared, “When I heard that morning that Patsy was gone, I felt like the ground had been pulled from beneath me. She was not just a friend but a mentor and a pillar of strength for me.”
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In the aftermath of Patsy’s passing, Loretta and Oliver made a visit to comfort Cline’s family, spending time with her children Julie and Randy, and her husband Charlie Dick. During a conversation between Oliver and Charlie, Loretta found herself moved to express her emotions through music. Seated on the staircase of Patsy’s home, she poured her heart into crafting “This Haunted House,” completing the song within just 20 minutes. Loretta then performed the song for Charlie, strumming her guitar with raw emotion.
While “This Haunted House” never saw a single release, it found a place in Loretta Lynn’s 1972 compilation album Alone With You. Reflecting on the song’s origins, Lynn shared her sentiments in 2009, saying, “It was a somber time when we lost Patsy. She was my closest confidante back then. She took me under her wing, and losing her was a profound loss. Even now, I feel her absence keenly.”
In 1977, Lynn paid further tribute to her dear friend Patsy Cline with the release of the album I Remember Patsy. This album featured a rendition of Cline’s 1961 chart-topper, “I Fall to Pieces.” Lynn’s admiration for Cline’s legacy endured over the years, culminating in a re-recorded version of the classic hit in 2020.
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2. “You’ve Made Me What I Am” (1965)
In her 1965 album Songs from My Heart, Loretta Lynn showcased her songwriting prowess with two original compositions: “When Lonely Hits Your Heart” and “It Just Looks That Way.” The remainder of the tracks featured on the album were penned by acclaimed songwriters such as Bill Anderson, Roger Miller, Harland Howard, and others. Notably, the album also included a heartfelt track written by Lynn’s husband, Doo, titled “You’ve Made Me What I Am.”
“Trouble on the Line” (2004)
In 2004, at the age of 72, Loretta Lynn introduced her acclaimed album Van Lear Rose, a collaboration with the then-28-year-old Jack White, who produced the album and contributed his talents across the tracks. Among the standout compositions is “Miss Being Mrs,” a heartfelt tribute penned by Lynn herself, honoring her life and the enduring bond she shared with her late husband, Doo. Additionally, Oliver is credited one last time on the album for the poignant ballad “Trouble on the Line,” which delves into the complexities of love and miscommunication.
Van Lear Rose made a significant impact upon its release, reaching No. 24 on the Billboard 200 chart and climbing to an impressive No. 2 on the Country chart. Its chart success underscored the enduring relevance of Loretta Lynn’s music and the resonance of her collaboration with Jack White.
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