Book Review: Loretta Lynn’s Still Woman Enough: A Memoir
Loretta Lynn and Patsi Cox. Still Woman Enough: A Memoir. New York: Hyperion, April 2002. 384 pages. $24.95 hardback.
From the hills of Butcher Holler, to flashing lights and sounds of the country music stage, Loretta Lynn has proved that she is still woman enough. In her latest autobiography, Still Woman Enough, Lynn reflects on what was not mentioned in her previous book and successful movie, Coal Miner’s Daughter. Patsi Cox also contributed in the writing of the book.
Throughout life she has struggled with family, music, marriage, death, but has always proven to stay close to her roots of eastern Kentucky. Being the first female Entertainer of the Year award winners, she opened doors for such artists as Tanya Tucker, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, and many more.
Through the pages of Still Woman Enough, the reader is exposed to the life not foreseen or told anywhere else. Intimate details that portray the complete story of those once told. Stories on Lynn’s relationship to Conway Twitty and their last moments together, as well as her times together with Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette. Lynn also includes interesting details of what the movie version of Coal Miner’s Daughter actually inaccurate of the real life version.
Family life has always been important for Loretta Lynn. It is mentioned several times throughout the book that her twin daughters did not want her to talk about certain aspects of their father. However, Lynn told the stories behind the scenes and what really went on during their marriage. It appears to be closure for her in a time that she needs it.
Still Woman Enough ends with a new chapter in Loretta Lynn’s life. When reading the book, one will definitely not want to put it down. On a personal note, this book has been passed down through several generations in a matter of days. After I read it, I passed it on to my own mother for her birthday present, who then passed it on to her mother, who later in turn passed it to her mother, my great-grandmother. All of us were born and raised in Southeast Kentucky, and with this book, several generations of every family can relate to the life that was lived by the Coal Miner’s Daughter, Loretta Lynn.
Jessica Blankenship is the owner and founder of Kentucky Country Music website with over 20 years experience in music journalism, concert planning, photography, and promotion. Jessica is a Kentucky Colonel and alumni of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT Class and a recipient of the Laurel County’s Ten Under 40 Award. Listen to her each week on WFKY on Friday mornings for the Nashville News Roundup.