Jack Benny Lynn was the second child and the first son of country music legend Loretta Lynn and her husband Oliver Vanetta Lynn. He was born on December 7, 1949, in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, and grew up to be a skilled blacksmith, horse trainer, and rancher. He lived on his parents’ Hurricane Mills ranch property in Tennessee, where he enjoyed riding horses and working outdoors. However, his life was cut short by a tragic accident that occurred on July 22, 1984. He was only 34 years old when he drowned while trying to cross the Duck River on his horse.
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The Details of the Accident
According to Featured Biography, Jack Benny Lynn was riding his horse, Black Jack, on the evening of July 22, 1984, when he decided to ford the Duck River, which ran through his parents’ farm. He was an experienced horseback rider and had crossed the river many times before. However, this time something went wrong. He somehow fell off his horse and hit his head, rendering him unconscious. He then drowned in the water while his horse made it to the other side unharmed.
His body was found the next day by a search party that included his father and his brother-in-law. His mother, Loretta Lynn, was on tour in Iowa when she received the devastating news. She immediately flew back to Tennessee to be with her family and mourn her son.
The Impact of His Death on His Family
Jack Benny Lynn’s death was a huge blow to his family, especially his mother, who adored him with all her heart. She wrote in her autobiography, Coal Miner’s Daughter, that he was a spitting image of his father and that he was quiet and tender. She also said that he was her “blond headed, blue-eyed baby” and that she would do it all over again if she could.
Loretta Lynn has never stopped missing her son and often posts tributes to him on social media. On July 23, 2021, she shared a sentimental Instagram post about his death anniversary, stating that she has missed him every day for almost four decades. She also expressed how a parent will never be the same after losing a child.
Jack Benny Lynn was not the only child that Loretta Lynn had to bury before her own death. She also lost her eldest daughter, Betty Sue Lynn, in 2013 from emphysema complications. She also lost her grandson, Jeffrey Allen Lynn, who was Jack’s son, in 2018 from unknown causes.
The Legacy of Jack Benny Lynn
Jack Benny Lynn may have died young, but he left behind a legacy of love and talent. He was a talented blacksmith who made beautiful ironworks for his family and friends. He was also a gifted horse trainer who taught many people how to ride and care for horses. He loved nature and animals and had a gentle spirit.
He is survived by his wife Lisa Webb Lynn and their two children Jeffrey Allen Lynn and Katherine Lynn. He is also remembered by his siblings Ernest Ray Lynn, Cissie Lynn Russell, Patsy Eileen Lynn Russell, Peggy Jean Lynn Webb, and their families.
Jack Benny Lynn was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend who died too soon but will never be forgotten by those who knew him. He is buried at the Hurricane Mills Cemetery next to his father and grandfather.
