The 2022 CMAs started things off with a heartfelt recognition for one of their own.

Down home music’s biggest night opened its annual award show Wednesday night in Nashville with a variety remembering country legend Loretta Lynn, who died on Oct. 4 at age 90.

Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood joined forces for a star-studded performance that honored Lynn’s trailblazing contributions to ladies in down home music.

The recognition opened with a few throwback clasps of Lynn at CMA Awards of the past, before the night’s openers toasted the legend with a poignant four-song performance.

Underwood started it off by standing the all important focal point as she played through the opening lines of the 1966 classic “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man),” before Lambert sang a portion of Lynn’s hit “Don’t Return home a-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).”

McEntire then sang a touching version of the 1971 hit “You’re Lookin’ at Country” before all three ladies joined forces for a group performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” to wrap up the recognition. The performers picked a lot of fringe, as well, and made gestures to a portion of Lynn’s various eras with a progression of photographs showing behind them.

Upon Lynn’s death last month, each of the ones who graced the stage at Bridgestone Arena for the accolade took to social media to share their recollections of the star.

McEntire, a longtime companion of Lynn’s who acknowledged the star for inspiring her own career, shared a statement that compared Lynn to her mother Jacqueline, who died in March 2020.

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“Mama and Loretta were four years apart, mama being the most established. They always reminded me a ton of each other.

What a beautiful tribute to the legendary @LorettaLynn by @MirandaLambert, @Reba McEntire and @CarrieUnderwood to kick off the #CMAawards.✨

— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 10, 2022

Strong ladies, who cherished their youngsters and were wildly loyal,” the star composed. “Presently they’re both in heaven getting to visit and talk about how they were raised, how different blue grass music is currently from what it was the point at which they were youthful. Sure makes me feel great that mama went first so she could invite Loretta into the hollers of heaven.”

She continued: “I always did and I always will cherish Loretta. She was always so good to me. I sure appreciate her paving the unpleasant and rough road for all us young lady singers.”

Carly Pearce, who released the song “Dear Miss Loretta” on her album 29, called Lynn “one of the greatest there at any point will be,” while Lambert said “she blazed such countless trails for all of us young ladies in down home music.” The 2022 CMAs are airing live Wednesday night from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.