" When I’d tell people I like country music they’d get this look on their faces. People were kind of ashamed of country. "
- Loretta Lynn

When someone mentions that they enjoy country music, others might display a mixture of surprise or disapproval, feeling somewhat embarrassed by this genre. This reaction suggests that there was a time when country music wasn't widely respected or admired, and people were hesitant to express their appreciation for it openly.

Loretta Lynn's statement reflects the broader social attitudes toward country music in the past, where the genre faced significant prejudice and dismissal from mainstream culture. The quote also hints at the personal cost of loving something that others view negatively: individuals might feel isolated or misunderstood because they enjoy a type of music that is not widely appreciated. This sentiment goes beyond just musical preferences, touching on issues of cultural acceptance and societal biases.

Loretta Lynn, a legendary country singer known for her powerful voice and candid songwriting about women's experiences, speaks from personal experience. Her words highlight the struggles she faced as an artist in a male-dominated industry and society that often undervalued or ridiculed country music and its fans. Born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, in 1932, Lynn became one of the most influential voices in country music during her six-decade career.