When I was asked to write a blog post on flashback Music Festival moments, I jumped at the possibility to profile my role model as a human being, Ms. Dolly Rebecca Parton.
As is well known around the CMA offices, I love Dolly Parton.
This is me bowing to the Dolly statue in front of our hometown's courthouse. This is unaltered. That really is Heaven's light shining on her.
I was born and raised in Dolly’s hometown of Sevierville, Tenn., and the house I grew up in is literally a mile away from Dollywood. I could wax poetic all day about St. Dolly, as I call her, and all of her greatness, but let’s get down to business: Dolly’s few but fantastic appearances at Fan Fair/CMA Music Festival.
According to my best count, Dolly has performed at the Festival only six times: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1998, and 2005. Here are some highlights:
1972 – Dolly joined the ranks of 115 other artists including Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe, Conway Twitty, Ernest Tubb, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Waylon Jennings for the very first Fan Fair.
This is a page from the 1973 Fan Fair Program Book with a photo from Dolly's 1972 Fan Fair appearance in the top right corner.
1974- Fans in attendance at Fan Fair 1974 witnessed Country Music history as Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton performed as a duo for what would be the last time in more than a decade.
This ad appeared in the 1974 Fan Fair Program Book. Truer words have never been spoken.
1998- Dolly joined Lee Ann Womack during the Decca Records show to perform “Jolene.”
Here's Ms. Dolly performing for the 1998 Fan Fair crowd.
2005 – Dolly took to what is now known as the LP Field stage for the first time with help from the Grascals.
Dolly's most recent appearance at the CMA Music Festival in 2005 with The Grascals.
2010 – Dolly returns to the CMA Music Festival just to declare Dawn the best fan in the world. (Note: Not confirmed yet, but my fingers are crossed.)
Is there anyone else you would like for us to feature in Music Festival flashback? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!
Dawn
UPDATE: I came across an old Nashville Banner article which says Dolly made a brief appearance at the 1980 CMA Music Festival to sign autographs.
Ha ha! I hope you get your wish, Dawn! Side note: I love Dolly’s movie “Straight Talk.”
Oh, and I want you to profile the Red-headed Wonder, REBA! What’s her CMA Fest/Fan Fair history?
OOOOOHHHHH!!!!! Shes the sweetest ould thing!! Love her music!!!!
To whon this may concern, I DIDN’T GET TO GO TO CMA MUSIC FEAST IN 2009, I WAS IN A CAR WRECK, AND WAS HURT VERY BAD, I’M STILL NOT OVER IT YET. THE VERY BEST SINGER THAT I WOULD LOVE TO COME AND SEE IN 2010 IS GEORGE JONES, HE IS MY FAVORITE SINGER, SINCE I WAS A YOUNG GIRL. SO IF I COULD HAVE MY DREAM COME TRUE, THAT IS WHAT I WOULD WISH FOR. THANK YOU DIANA SANDERS
I have my fingers crossed for a Dolly Appearance as well………….Nothing beats a little 9-5!
Had the chance to meet Dolly in person in Dollywood and she’s really a sweet lady. although she has ages but she’s still a great looking woman.