How Emmy Russell Is Carrying On Her Memaw, Loretta Lynn's, Legacy

About Emmy Russell

Emmy Russell was born in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, and grew up touring and performing with her grandmother, Loretta Lynn, as well as her mother, Patsy Lynn. She doesn’t sound much like the “Queen of Country,” but Emmy has a beautiful voice and plenty of talent as a songwriter. On an episode of American Idol earlier this spring, she wowed the judges with an intensely personal song that caught the country’s attention—and earned her a ticket to Hollywood. It’s called “Skinny,” and it touches on her past struggles with an eating disorder, as well as a deep lack of confidence that’s kept her off the stage. Now Emmy is finding her own voice and looking at a bright future in music.

What Emmy Russell Talks About On This Episode

• How music runs in her family
• Her relationship with her grandmother, Loretta Lynn ('Memaw'), and mother, Patsy Lynn
• Her experience on American Idol
• Her past struggles with an eating disorder
• The special guitar she was gifted
• Born in Hurricane Mills and growing up in Nashville
• Growing up singing and going on the road
• Her grandmother's dresses
• The holidays

Quotes By Emmy Russell

"My dad actually wrote a song with her, and it was called “Miss Being Mrs.” And every time I heard that song, I would just cry. 'I Miss Being Mrs'. Like, that's just such a cool idea. I think she actually told my dad that, and then he kinda helped her finish it. I love 'Coal Miner's Daughter.' I feel like that has a very special meaning to it, 'cause it's her life. And I walked in that house, and I was doing a video, 'cause I was doing a tribute for her. “Coal Miner's Daughter.” And I sang it. And I said 'Nothing left but the floors. Nothing lives here anymore except the memories of a coal miner's daughter.' I'm gonna cry thinking about it. But I was walking through that hallway, and I was like, 'Man, nothing left but the floors.' You know, except the memories of Memaw. That's how I heard it." - Emmy Russell

"I think I'm completely different than my grandma, but someone commented and said, 'You're so much like her, because that was such a gutsy song to sing just like so many songs in her time were so gutsy.' I was like, 'Oh, wow.' Maybe she gave me a little truth gene. But was it scary for her like it is for me? I think probably a little less for her. She's very brave. She's very brave." - Emmy Russell

About Biscuits & Jam

In the South, talking about food is personal. It's a way of sharing your history, your family, your culture, and yourself. Each week Sid Evans, editor in chief of Southern Living, sits down with celebrity musicians to hear stories of how they grew up, what inspired them, and how they've been shaped by Southern culture. Sid takes us back to some of their most cherished memories and traditions, the family meals they still think about, and their favorite places to eat on the road.Download and listen to this episode of Biscuits & Jam with Emmy Russell on Apple Podcasts,  Spotify, Amazon Music, or everywhere podcasts are available.

Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors.