The son of late country music star Loretta Lynn is back in the hospital, and his family doesn’t know what the cause is.

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

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

“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.”

Earlier in the week, 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.