During the Opry 100 Honors celebration, one of the most touching and emotional moments of the night came when Emmy Russell — known to fans as @emmyroserussellofficial — paid tribute to her legendary grandmother, Loretta Lynn, with a beautiful performance of “Lay Me Down.”
The event, held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, was a special night celebrating 100 years of country music history and honoring the artists who shaped it. But when Emmy stepped onto the stage, it became a deeply personal tribute — a granddaughter’s loving salute to the woman who helped define country music.
Dressed simply in a flowing white gown, Emmy stood under soft blue lights, her guitar resting gently in her hands. The stage behind her displayed a glowing image of Loretta Lynn, smiling — a presence that made the performance feel even more intimate.
As the first chords of “Lay Me Down” began, Emmy’s voice floated through the Opry house — pure, tender, and full of emotion. The song, which Loretta originally recorded as a duet with Willie Nelson, carries themes of peace, faith, and rest after a long, full life. Emmy sang it as if she were speaking directly to her grandmother, every note filled with love and reverence.
The audience sat quietly, completely absorbed in the moment. Some fans wiped away tears, and even the Opry musicians seemed moved by the performance’s honesty. Emmy’s soft phrasing and heartfelt delivery made it clear that this wasn’t just a cover — it was a farewell, a thank-you, and a continuation of Loretta’s timeless legacy.
As she reached the final lines — “When I lay me down someday, my soul will rise, and fly away” — her voice trembled slightly, echoing with emotion. When the song ended, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation, applauding both the young artist and the icon she was honoring.
Emmy smiled through tears, whispering, “I love you, Memaw,” before stepping back from the microphone. It was a moment that perfectly captured the heart of country music — family, faith, and love passed from one generation to the next.
