In the world of country music, few names resonate quite like Dolly Parton. For Nashville publicist Aaron Crisler, however, his encounter with Parton was not just a fleeting moment in a music career; it marked a transformative experience that reshaped his life.
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Crisler’s admiration for Parton began in his childhood. Growing up in a trailer park on the outskirts of Atlanta, he was raised by a mother who adored the iconic singer. “The first song I ever sang was ‘9 to 5,’” Crisler recalled, reminiscing about his early brush with stardom. His passion for music led him to seek employment at Dollywood, Parton’s amusement park in Tennessee, where he had the opportunity to perform for a year in various shows and interact with the superstar herself.
His time there included performances in “Let the Good Times Roll” and The Mistletones, a Christmas a cappella group. Crisler described moments of awe as he encountered Parton, who would often greet performers backstage. “I was just in awe,” he said, reflecting on the times she would pop her head into the dressing room to say hello.
However, it was an ambitious idea that propelled Crisler to take a leap of faith. After recording a solo project, he decided to reach out to Parton, hoping she would lend her voice to his work. Despite friends doubting his chances, Crisler clung to the belief that nothing ventured, nothing gained. “I mean, the Bible says you have not because you ask not, so why not ask?” he reasoned.
Crisler wrote a heartfelt letter to Parton and contacted her assistant, Teresa. The reply he received after several weeks left him astounded. “I’m honoured that you want to sing one of my songs,” Parton’s letter read. She expressed her willingness to collaborate, provided it was not too late—a moment he describes as surreal.
At the time, Crisler was working as a bagger at Winn-Dixie and struggling financially, but his determination drove him to save $500 for studio time in Nashville. He recalled the nervous excitement of the trip, saying he and his mother could not afford a hotel and drove to Nashville early that morning to meet the music legend.
In the studio, Parton showcased her renowned professionalism and grace. “She spent an hour and a half with me,” Crisler described, as they worked on a duet of her gospel classic “High and Mighty.” He was touched by her genuine concern for his vision during the recording process, with Parton frequently asking if her singing was meeting his expectations. Crisler vividly remembers her kindness: “I want to make it perfect for you,” she told him.
After they finished, Crisler asked Parton why she had agreed to support him, a relatively unknown artist. “Well, I remember you from Dollywood,” she replied, recalling his talent and asserting that if she could help others, she could surely help him too. “I figured, why the heck not do it for you, too?” Parton’s words echoed in Crisler’s mind and heart.
Looking back years later, Crisler reflected on how Parton’s willingness to sing with him had profoundly influenced his life. “Dolly’s one yes completely changed my life,” he stated, now a successful publicist and photographer. He acknowledged the confidence she instilled in him, turning a simple moment of kindness into a lifelong lesson: “Anything is possible, and the sky’s the limit.”
Last year, on the first anniversary of Dolly Parton’s passing, Crisler had the rare opportunity to express his gratitude in person. During auditions for her Broadway musical, Parton’s management invited him backstage. “I got to spend 10-15 minutes with her,” he recounted, explaining how he conveyed the impact she had on his life. “I carry that yes with me every single day.”
Parton, ever humble and reassuring, embraced Crisler and affirmed, “Well, God works everything out, don’t he?” Their brief encounter encapsulated a bond forged through music and a shared belief in the power of dreams. For Crisler, the legacy of Dolly Parton continues to inspire him as he pursues his own aspirations, forever grateful for that life-altering moment of connection.