Loretta Lynn photo courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry.

Last week, Loretta Lynn got doubly good news when her “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was entered into the National Recording Registry and Vintage Books announced it was re-releasing her autobiography in September.

Now her autumn schedule is looking even more attractive. The Recording Academy has announced that Loretta will be recognized during the second Grammy Salute To Country Music Oct. 12 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. During the night, she’ll receive the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award. She’ll also be given her Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; she was unable to attend in January when the Academy recognized her — alongside Bobby Darin and Michael Jackson — with that honor in January.

“We are delighted to be paying homage to Loretta Lynn, a true country music pioneer and cultural icon, whose distinctive musical style has confronted social issues while remaining wildly entertaining,” Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, says. “It is only fitting that we celebrate Loretta at our Salute To Country Music event, as she has worked diligently to ensure that country music remains a vital part of our culture, and has paved the way for many of today’s talented artists and likely for generations to come.”

Last year’s inaugural Grammy Salute To Country honored Vince Gill in a star-studded ceremony that featured appearances by Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Michael McDonald and Steve Martin.

It’s a safe bet that Loretta’s event will be well-stocked with stars, too. Not only is she one of the genre’s most-loved performers, but there’s also a tribute album in the works for 2010. Presumably, several of the artists that pay homage in that package will want to participate in the Grammy Salute. The names of the tribute-contributing acts have, thus far, been kept secret.

The Oct. 12 timing of Loretta’s salute is perfect. Oct. 15 will mark 50 years since she made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the Ryman, the very stage where she’ll be honored by the Academy.

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