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For East Tennessee native Tara Thompson, a career in country music wasn't just a career choice; it's the family business. Thompson, whose grandmother is first cousins with country legend Loretta Lynn, draws influence from her famous family member and prides herself on her traditional sound. The country great has taught Thompson many things over the years but her most important lesson is "be yourself." "We're a close family and she's given me great advice," Thompson told FOX411 Country of Lynn. "When I opened up for her one time and told her I'm putting together an album, I told her, 'Don't worry, I'm keeping it really country.' She told me, 'Don't worry about keeping it country, just be you.' And I just so happen to be really country!"She added, "Loretta told me to be as real as I can and I really took that advice because I think she's the realest person I've ever met. I get a lot of...

Jeffrey Allen Lynn American music icon, Loretta Lynn is mourning the passing of her eldest grandson, Jeffrey Allen Lynn who died unexpectedly on Monday. Jeffrey was 47 and lived and worked on Loretta Lynn's ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Jeffrey was the eldest son of Jack Benny Lynn, Lynn's second child and eldest son who tragically drowned in 1984. Jeffrey Allen Lynn is survived by three children, Jory, Katie and Cody. Loretta Lynn was scheduled to perform this Friday, June 10 in Miami, Oklahoma and Saturday, June 11 in Hinton, Oklahoma, however those shows will be postponed to July 8 and November 12 so Loretta can be with her family. Source: Loretta Lynn Please keep Loretta and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Andy : Elvis Presley. You were friends with Elvis. What was he like? Loretta : You know we were gonna write together two weeks before he died. We talked about about it. We were gonna get together and write but we never got to.  Andy : What kind of a guy was he to hang out with? Loretta : Well, you know I never was with him. I never got the chance.