Lainey Wilson has paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton, reflecting on their deep friendship and sharing poignant details of their final conversation. Parton, the beloved country music icon, passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and inspiration.
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In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Wilson expressed her love for Parton, saying, “My Dolly. 💛 I felt like you were my friend before we even met… But once we became friends, boy did we have a lot to talk about.” This sentiment encapsulates the profound emotional bond that had developed between the two singers over the years.
Remarkably, Wilson had spoken to Parton just a couple of weeks before her passing. During this conversation, they ventured into a range of topics, including the intricacies of the music industry, the sacrifices required to succeed, and their personal relationships. Wilson mentioned Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, while discussing her own partner, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, stating, “how special Carl Dean was to you and how important Duck is to me.”
Parton’s thoughtful advice for Wilson on love resonated deeply. She reportedly encouraged Wilson to foster a genuine relationship with Hodges, emphasising that while it was wonderful that he allowed her to be herself, it was equally important for her to let him be himself too. This counsel reflects Parton’s wisdom and understanding of enduring relationships.
The conversation also touched on faith, with Parton advising Wilson to approach her reading of the Bible with care. “You told me to take my time reading the book of Revelation… to catch my breath,” Wilson recalled, further highlighting Parton’s nurturing spirit.
Their shared passion for music was a significant theme of their discussion. The two artists bonded over their belief that they were destined for the music industry. “We talked about how we both feel like we were called into this business and you told me you felt like you weren’t finished,” Wilson said, capturing the essence of their artistic connection.
Wilson has often spoken about the impact Parton had on her career. In earlier interviews, she reflected on how Parton set an example both professionally and personally, leading her to adopt the mantra, “What would Dolly do?” This mindset was particularly helpful during her challenging early years in Nashville, where she faced rejection but remained determined to succeed.
After years of hard work, Wilson’s perseverance paid off when her single “Things a Man Oughta Know” topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2021. Along the way, Parton played an instrumental role in her journey, joining Wilson in the studio to record a cover of “Mama He’s Crazy” for a tribute album dedicated to The Judds.
In her tribute, Wilson reminisced about the surreal experience of working alongside Parton, describing it as something akin to a dream. “I feel like I’ve known her from another lifetime,” she said, indicating the deep connection they shared.
As Wilson continues her own musical journey, she expressed gratitude for Parton’s influence in her life. “I am thankful the Lord gave you a gift, you decided to share it, and the Lord decided to share you with us,” she wrote, reinforcing the impact Parton had not only on her but also on countless others in the music community.
Wilson concluded her emotional tribute with a touching sentiment for the future, envisioning a joyful reunion in the afterlife. “I can’t wait to see you again and I know when I hug your neck in heaven someday you are still gonna be saying, ‘don’t mess up hair, Lainey girl,'” she added. This heartfelt farewell captured both the humour and affection that defined their friendship.
Ending her tribute, Wilson simply stated, “I will always love you, my friend. 💛🦋,” a testament to the enduring bond they shared. As she embarks on her concert tour, slated to continue through October 2026, Wilson is sure to carry Parton’s legacy with her, inspiring new generations of musicians as Parton did for her.