The family of the late Loretta Lynn is asking for prayers for her son, Ernie Lynn, who is battling kidney failure.

Last week, Ernie Lynn’s wife, Crystal Lynn, was asking for prayers on Facebook after Ernie Lynn returned to the hospital for physical ailments.

Ernie Lynn, 69, overcame a “critical” surgery for kidney failure earlier this year, which threatened his life.

On Thursday, Crystal Lynn was asking for additional prayers since Ernie Lynn was back in the hospital with some unknown issues.

“I need y’all to cover my husband and our family in prayer right now,” she wrote. “Thank you.”

Earlier this week, Crystal Lynn thanked people for all the support.

“We really don’t have any definitive answers as to what’s going on with Ernie’s health right now, but they’re trying hard to narrow it down and figure things out,” she posted. “More tests lie ahead. We thank you all for your support and would greatly appreciate your continued prayers. Thank you all, God bless.”

Crystal Lynn revealed that Ernie Lynn had been in and out of the hospital over the past week.

“More issues have presented themselves, and although ‘pretty routine’ for doctors, it’s very scary for us,” she wrote. “We only have one Ernie …. One husband … One dad … One uncle … One Pop-Pop. …

“We can’t lose him. … He can’t stay sick and leave things the way they are though. … There are risks no matter what we do, which is why once again, I’m here to ask for your prayers and positive energy.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.