What do you know about Loretta Lynn's husband? Reality, not the movie's portrayal.?

Question

I have watched "Coal Miner's Daughter" and have ordered both of Lynn's autobiography's. I know that in her latest, the truth of Doolittle's womanizing and drinking were too lightly hinted upon before his death. Am too impatient for the books to arrive.

Answer 1

I've read 2 books by Loretta Lynn and from what I've read the movies are very easy on him. He was a totally mentally abusive husband. Even in Loretta's own words he cheated on her nonstop. He spent all of her money, but she still thought that he was the greatest husband in the world. He wasn't even good looking. He had some major control over her and her emotions and I don't know how.

I read her second book and just got furious of the things that he did to her and the way he treated her. She was definitely brainwashed and mentally battered if you ask me. She still says that he was the greatest love of her life, even after the affairs and almost putting her into bankruptcy. I just don't understand how you can love someone that much that obviously doesn't love you in return.

From everything that I've read, I'd say she has been emotionally abused since the day that she met him. But, evidently she doesn't see it that way. For the beautiful, rich woman that she was, she should never have been put through all that she has because of her dear Mooney.

Answer 2

Real name: O.V. 'Mooney' Lynn
Married Loretta in late 40's-she was 13 yrs. old
Bought Loretta a $17 guitar for her birthday in 1953.
Got his name Mooney from running moonshine.
Served in Army in WW 2.
Worked in coalmines before he met Loretta
Died of heart failure and diabetes in 1996
Both of his feet had been amputated.
Loretta claims that he was an alcoholic who beat her, spent her money and was repeatedly unfaithful. She claims she put up with it because of six kids and that they loved one another.
She claims that he cast her aside for another woman when she was pregnant with their first child.
He wore a black cowboy hat with the words,"Like Hell It's Yours."
He was believed to be in his late 60s when he died.