Honor Loretta Lynn's legacy, pick up the baton, and speak and fight for women | Opinion

Loretta Lynn has meant everything to millions of female country fans as well generations of working and rural women for more than half a century, and her death at age 90 on Tuesday won’t diminish her relevance, importance or place in our hearts.

Indeed, it would be a mistake to consider Lynn’s music as a relic of the past, a musical memento to be dusted off merely when feeling nostalgic. The topics she bravely addressed, including birth control, alcohol use and societal perceptions of women, are still hotly debated today. Or as Lynn might say, the more things change, the more things stay the same.

She remains a north star for women, her unrivaled legacy and body of work guiding the way as we navigate how to best thrive in a male-dominated world, find balance between career and motherhood and weather the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. As Lynn taught us, humor sure helps.

More:How Loretta Lynn provided timeless inspiration to generations of female country stars

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Lynn clung to what made her authentic and real

The accolades began pouring in as soon as the news of her death was announced-- an important cultural force, a national treasure, a global country icon, a truth teller and vivid storyteller.

She made it look easy with her seemingly simple songs that were simultaneously personal and universal in nature. But nothing could be further from the truth. Her ability to capture the feelings of women in a just a few powerful and rhyming words was nothing short of brilliant. Even if she never understood what all of the fuss was about.

In this Botox era when women feel constantly compared to Photoshopped social media photos and feel pressured to be and do everything all at once, Lynn is a reminder to cling to what makes you authentic and real. Just be yourself; that is what will make you stand out.

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Lynn stood up for herself

Lynn burst on the country scene right out of the holler and still rough around the edges, which was in stark contrast to the pretty and prim female country image of the day.

Before Lynn, women were expected to be people-pleasers whose needs and desires were second to the men in their lives. Lynn was a proud honky-tonk girl who set her husband straight when he came home drunk expecting sex.

Lynn, who overcame more than many of us could imagine every step of the way of her career, possessed a confidence and life compass that eludes many who face much less today.

While Dolly Parton begged Jolene not to take her man, Lynn threatened a romantic rival with her fists. You think you’re something? Well, you ain’t woman enough to take my man! As Lynn reminds us, life isn’t pretty, so women shouldn’t hesitate to stand up for themselves.

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Let’s take up Loretta’s baton and fight

In what could have been a major career setback, she boldly addressed contraception in the 1975 hit “The Pill,” which remains as relevant today as the day it was released, which was two years after the landmark Roe V. Wade case gave women the right to abortion.

Now that Roe V. Wade has been overturned by the Supreme Court and Tennessee law makes nearly all abortions illegal, that song is just as necessary and powerful today. Indeed, while the House passed the Right to Contraception Act, in July, Sen. Ed Markey’s (D-Massachusetts) effort to get the bill passed by unanimous consent was blocked by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).

Now that Lynn is gone, it’s time for those who were raised on her music to pick up the baton and speak and fight for women in their own inimitable way, regardless of background, accent or education.

Her music and spirit can serve as the soundtrack of solidarity as women work together to make the world a better place for all.

Beverly Keel is dean of Middle Tennessee State University's College of Media and Entertainment and a music industry activist who works for gender and racial equality in the music industry.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Loretta Lynn's legacy was speaking up and fighting for women