Loretta Lynn's son Ernest Ray isn't doing well, so the family is turning to God. The 69-year-old is back in the hospital as he battles various kidney problems.

  • Ernest Ray is Loretta Lynn's fourth child (of six) and second son.
  • His wife, Crystal, has been sharing updates on Facebook.
  • Previously she revealed he was in need of a new kidney.

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Ernest Ray or "Ernie" re-entered the hospital on Tuesday night (April 30) after a week of being in and out of a facility. Without going into detail, Crystal shares that more issues have presented themselves, so doctors are planning an exploratory procedure for Wednesday (May 1).

"I'm scared," she writes. "His family is scared. We can't lose him."

Public awareness of Ernie's kidney problems goes back several months, to a surgery needed after the organ failed. On Jan. 29, Crystal spoke with hope in telling her social media followers he'd made a major improvement.

On April 3 she talked about the importance of a new kidney and upcoming appointment. "I want to see my baby happy again," she shared.

The newest post is part update, part prayer request and part manifestation of a positive outcome. As she lists several fears the family has about what's to come, she praises the power of prayer.

"To think that we or the doctors can handle these issues alone would be foolish and frankly, I wouldn’t dream of going through this process or this life without God at our side at all times."

Crystal then works to speak into existence her husband's good health and happiness.

"I also declare that after this is concluded," she says, "that Ernie will be approved for and receive a successful kidney transplant and live a life full of love, happiness, and excellent health for many more years to come!"

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Ernie and Crystal are also uncle and aunt to Emmy Russell, a Top 10 finalist on the current season of American Idol. Amid updates about her husband, Crystal has shown tremendous support for her niece.

The couple also have a daughter named Tayla Lynn who is a popular country singer.

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Emmy Russell is competing on Season 22 of American Idol with some added weight on her shoulders - she's the granddaughter of the great Loretta Lynn. The 25-year-old has had to work past the pressure of living up to her memaw, all while in front of a national audience.

The young singer carries so much of her Lynn with her - including her guitar. She also bears quite the resemblance to her famous grandmother, especially in the early days of her storied career.

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Loretta Lynn's luxurious former home outside of Nashville is for sale, and pictures show a property that's a perfect mix of classy and cozy. The country queen's 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 3,409-square-foot home in a rural community outside of Nashville is listed for sale for $799,000, and that price includes a residence that is "finished to a T," according to its listing. The beautiful home sits on more than five acres of rural land directly on the river, offering direct access for canoeing and kayaking. The rural property is just two minutes from I-40, offering an easy commute into Nashville, and it also offers easy access to schools, stores, dining options and more amenities that are just minutes away.

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