Loretta Lynn Honored With President's Merit Award

The Recording Academy hosted the second installment of its GRAMMY Salute To Country Music honoring Loretta Lynn, presented by MasterCard, on Oct. 12 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The three-time GRAMMY winner was presented with The Recording Academy President's Merit Award in honor of her dynamic career and contributions to country music. Presenting Lynn with the honor was Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow and eight-time GRAMMY-winning musician/producer Jack White.

Two-time GRAMMY-winning singer/actress and host for the evening Reba McEntire kicked off the star-studded tribute performances with a rendition of "If You're Not Gone Too Long." Following remarks from Recording Academy Chair George J. Flanigen IV, the evening featured more star-studded tribute performances, including GRAMMY-winning singer Gretchen Wilson's rendition of "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)," followed by a duet with pop/rock artist Kid Rock for "You're The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly." Rock followed up with a solo take of "I Know How."

GRAMMY-winning artist Lee Ann Womack performed "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl" before country music songstress Martina McBride took the stage for a performance of "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)" and "Love Is The Foundation."

The evening came to a close with a duet performance of Lynn's GRAMMY-winning "After The Fire Is Gone" featuring Lynn herself and two-time GRAMMY winner Garth Brooks.