Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Wilson fondly remembers her dear friend Dolly Parton and the 2019 CMA Awards. The two were part of an all-female opening performance that included Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, The Highwomen, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Nettles, Tanya Tucker, and Carrie Underwood.
Following rehearsal, Gretchen relayed to Dolly she had a top to wear for the show performance but hadn’t found pants to complete her ensemble. She mentioned liking the pants Dolly was wearing, and her idol immediately said, “well, you can have these!” Gretchen picked them up the next day and can be seen wearing them on the show.
“It may have been her clothes I borrowed, but it was her footsteps we all walked in,” said Gretchen.
Craig Campbell
“The one and only time I met Dolly was on the ACM Awards Red Carpet several years ago. She spoke to me like we were long time friends. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Dolly: You singing tonight, baby?
Me: Naw, not tonight.
Dolly: Well you should be! (followed by the famous Dolly laugh)
What a loss for not only country music but for MUSIC!”
Jamie O’Neal
“For as long as I can remember, Dolly Parton has been in my life. No I didn’t “know her,” but I sure felt like I did and wished I could have! I was lucky enough to get to open shows for her when I was a little girl, and it always stayed with me how sweet she was to me and just how comfortable she made everyone around her and in the audience, feel like we were old friends. Dolly carved her own path of many colors that paved the way for female artists like me to want to be just like her and be outspoken and unafraid. But ain’t no one can ever be like one-of-a-kind Dolly. Today the whole world mourns and it will go down as one of the saddest days of my life. Thank you Dolly, for all you gave, to all of us who love you and always will.”
Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Producers
“A true diamond in a rhinestone world – country music has lost one of its brightest stars. Dolly Parton’s music traveled far beyond any stage, bringing people together through stories of love, heartbreak, resilience, and joy. Her legacy will live on in every generation that sings along to her iconic tunes, cementing her name in history forever. She spent her life giving others a reason to dream, learn and believe in what’s possible. From the 200+ million books gifted through her Imagination Library to the families she helped after devastating disasters, the country community will forever be grateful for the music, the kindness, and the heart she gave us all.
From the coast to everywhere country music plays – thank you, Dolly.”