Lynn Markworth, who also goes by Loretta Lynn Massey, carries the name of her famous grandmother, Loretta Lynn, but has endured significant hardship throughout her life.
The eldest daughter of the late Betty Sue Lynn drew attention in late August 2023 when a Silver Alert was issued on August 26 after she went missing from Rutherford County; she was located safe two days later.
Those events were only a small part of her struggles. Lynn lives with dementia, multiple sclerosis and epileptic seizures—conditions that have prevented steady employment and, after her financial support was cut off, contributed to periods of homelessness. In 2015 she experienced a serious epileptic seizure and collapsed in a motel parking lot, an incident that required emergency medical care (details here).
Her son, Zach Massey, has spoken openly about their financial desperation. He says he reached out to his great-grandmother Loretta and to her daughter, Patsy, who handles Loretta’s finances, only to be told they would no longer cover his mother’s expenses — declining to pay bills or even provide diapers for his incontinent mother.
A Life Rooted in Tennessee
Lynn was born in Waverly, Tennessee, to Betty and Jack Lee Shreeve. She grew up with two siblings: Audrey Dyer and Jackie Lee Shreeve, although Jackie Lee sadly died shortly after his birth.
Lynn and Audrey were primarily raised by their mother, who provided steady care and support. The sisters attended Waverly Central High School, where they spent their school years together.
On her mother’s side, Lynn has Cherokee heritage. She currently lives in Johnsonville, Tennessee, and appears to maintain two Facebook profiles in her name — the most recent post linked here, dated April 3, 2020, notes that she was living with her sister at the time.
Interestingly, Audrey’s Facebook account now shows the name Loretta Lynn Massey, even though the photos and other account details remain the same. Given Lynn’s recent health issues, it seems she likely does not use Facebook frequently.
Her Three Children and Family Life
Lynn is married to Bob Massey, and the couple are parents to three children: Shane, Joshua, and Zachary Massey. Shane works as a server at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. In 2015, Zach was a fast-food restaurant manager. Each of their children has started a family of their own, including a granddaughter, Chyanne Massey.
The current state of Bob and Lynn’s relationship is reportedly unclear; Bob appears to be closer to the grandchildren than Lynn at the moment. Recently, Bob helped Chyanne paint Coal Miner’s Daughter on her parking lot as a tribute to one of Loretta Lynn’s best-known songs.
“Looks awesome,” one user commented. Chyanne replied, “My grandpa and I did this together.” With Lynn’s health declining, family members and fans alike are hoping she receives the care and support she needs during this difficult time.
Betty Lynn, the Mother of Lynn Markworth, Died in 2013
The 61-year-old’s story is closely tied to her family’s endeavors. Her mother, Betty, ran the Lynn Family Flea Market in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
Betty died on July 29, 2013, after suffering complications from emphysema. With her husband and a son having predeceased her, Lynn and Audrey remained her only surviving children.
Loretta expressed how devastated she was by the loss. “No parents should ever have to bury a child,” Loretta shared, describing the deep pain of losing her daughter. She continued,
It felt like part of my heart died when she left us. I hated seeing her sick, but I didn’t want to let her go. She was more than a daughter; she was a best friend. (sic)
