KENTUCKY’S EMILY PORTMAN BRINGS “ALWAYS LORETTA” THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE LEXINGTON OPERA HOUSE THIS SEPTEMBER

 

Lexington, KY (May 11, 2026) – The legendary music and life of Loretta Lynn will take center stage at the historic Lexington Opera House on September 17, 2026. The show recreates Loretta’s greatest hits and unforgettable moments, keeping her music alive for future generations. Always Loretta, the only tribute show formally authorized and endorsed by the Loretta Lynn family, brings an unparalleled level of authenticity to the stage, featuring the musicians who stood by the Country Music Hall of Famer for decades.

The production is headlined by Kentucky native Emily Portman. Discovered by Michael Twitty, Portman’s career has been defined by her uncanny ability to capture the spirit and voice of the "Coal Miner’s Daughter." Portman, who developed a close personal friendship with Loretta Lynn before her passing, was cast as the lead in the national tour of It’s Only Make Believe and has graced prestigious stages including the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.

Joining Portman are The Coalminers, Loretta’s longtime touring band. The lineup features legendary musicians with a combined century of experience performing alongside Lynn:

• Dave Thornhill (Band Leader/Lead Guitar): A mainstay in Loretta’s career for 55 years, Thornhill played over 10,000 shows with the legend and was part of the band that backed Sissy Spacek in the Academy Award-winning film “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
• Bob Hempker (Steel Guitar): One of the original Coalminers, Hempker spent over 20 years on the road with Loretta, as well as performing with Roy Clark.
• Dennis Digby (Bass): A cornerstone of the iconic Loretta Lynn sound for over 17 years.
• Eric Kaberle (Drums): A Nashville veteran who played for Loretta for 15 years until her retirement from the road.
• Jean Anne Tarleton (Background Vocals): A consummate triple threat—singer, dancer, and songwriter—Jean Anne worked with Loretta in the late '70s and early '80s.
• Terry Duncan (Keyboard): A veteran of the road who spent 20 years with Jim Ed Brown, Terry is a longtime collaborator and frequent performer with The Coalminers.

The show is a multi-sensory journey through six decades of hits, including "You Ain’t Woman Enough," "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'," and the quintessential "Coal Miner’s Daughter." Beyond the music, the performance is woven together with intimate, behind-the-scenes stories from The Coalminers, offering fans a rare glimpse into life on the road with one of music’s most iconic figures.

With heartfelt performances and authentic storytelling, Always Loretta celebrates the life and impact of one of country music’s most iconic voices.

Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, May 15 at 10AM EST. Purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com, lexingtonoperahouse.com, or in person at the Central Bank Center Box Office from 12-4 P.M. on Wednesdays and Fridays.