Keith Urban, Laney Wilson and other country music stars send heartfelt wishes to Dolly Parton on her 80th birthday.
Country star celebrates Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday
Rainie Wilson, Keith Urban, Karlie Pearce and Riley Green are among the stars celebrating country music icon and legend Dolly Parton’s birthday.
Some of the biggest names in country music are showering love on the legendary Dolly Parton, who turns 80 on Monday, January 19th, and sharing stories that highlight how deeply she shaped a generation of artists.
Laney Wilson begins the 17-minute compilation video by explaining how her first meeting with Parton is forever etched in her memory.
“I’ll never forget the first time I met you. You treated me like we’d known each other forever,” the “Watermelon Moonshine” singer said. “What you said to me that day was, ‘Do you have a good manager?’” And I said, “Yes, I do.” And you said, “So, is he ——?” And I said, “Yes.” she teeth. ‘And she’s right there with her curly hair. ”
Keith Urban paid tribute to Parton with a childhood flashback of him singing her song “Applejack” when she was 10 years old.
“You’ve been a huge inspiration to me for a long time, darling,” Urban said. “Thank you for everything you’ve ever done, both musically and as a person…the songs you’ve written, the people you’ve helped…the goodness you’ve brought to the world with your heart and curiosity and passion, and your insane musical talent.”
Parton surprised Carly Pearce with a recording announcing her as a new member of the Grand Ole Opry. The “Next Girl” singer previously worked at Dollywood, but said the announcement marks a full-circle moment for her, adding, “I begged my parents to let me quit high school and homeschool so I could work 9-to-5 at Dollywood.”
Kody Johnson’s birthday message was simple: “Dolly, I have nothing to say to you, but thank you. Thank you for the life you gave us.”
Mickey Guyton called Parton the love of his life.
“Dolly Parton has been a part of my life since I was little,” she said, adding, “She should be the president of the world if she can do that.”
“She has the best waist, the best breasts and the best personality,” Guyton joked, adding, “I thanked her for being born and for her contribution to this world.”
One of the most vivid compliments came from Ricky Skaggs, who recalled producing Parton’s “White Limozeen” and visiting her home.
“I was so grateful and so honored to be able to produce your record,” he said. While listening to the demo, Parton was cooking green beans, or what he called “leather britches,” for him and Karl Dean.
“I heard Karl screaming and swearing and saying 14 words that I can’t say here…He was very upset that you had burnt the beans in the leather pants you were waiting for.”
Ms. Skaggs recalled Ms. Parton calmly scraping away the burnt beans and plating the rest.
“They were so good. It’s a memory I’ll never forget,” said a fellow Opry member. “I’ll never forget you either.”
Producer Don Miggs shared some advice he still takes to heart. Miggs said that when she first met the country music star, she was embarrassed by her blue hair and that Parton told her, “Honey, never change it…that hair, everything will be fine with it.”
These are just a few of the stories about artists whose accomplishments are recognized not just by their hits and fame, but by the kindness and friendship that is bestowed upon them.
Brian West is a music reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Instagram, TikTok, and X as @BryanWestTV.
