HOUSTON – Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon whose voice and spirit spanned generations, died Tuesday at 80 years old.
The Associated Press reported Parton, known for timeless hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee. Just last Friday, she told People magazine, “I still have so many things I want to achieve.”
RELATED: Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country and cultural icon dies at 80
Houston had its moment with Dolly, and those who were there probably remember it well.
In 1978, Parton took the stage at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, her one and only appearance at the iconic event. RodeoHouston remembered her Tuesday, writing on social media: “Her songs, spirit and generosity shaped generations, leaving a legacy that will forever shine.”
Texas got another taste of Dolly three years later.
In 1981, Parton and Burt Reynolds came to Pflugerville to film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, bringing Hollywood, and a whole lot of Dolly, to the Lone Star State. KPRC 2’s own Ron Stone told the story of the filming location for an episode of The Eyes of Texas.
Dolly and Burt were back in Texas in 1982 for the movie’s debut in Austin.
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The Texas connection didn’t stop there.
Richmond native and country singer Mary Sarah Gross recorded a duet of “Jolene” with Parton in 2014. On Tuesday, Gross posted photos from that day, thanking Dolly “for being the most beautiful example of a strong, determined, courageous, giving, loving, and creative woman — not only in the country music industry, but to the entire world.”
And who could forget her halftime performance just three years ago in Dallas, during a Cowboys vs Commanders game? At 77 years old, Parton took the field in a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader uniform and she owned every second of it.
Before she was a household name, Parton was already making her mark on Texas.
In February 1970, she performed at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo alongside fellow country singer and collaborator Porter Wagoner.
That visit is documented in rodeo programs and photos from a reception during their stay. Our sister station KSAT first reported the San Antonio connection.
The San Antonio rodeo remembered her Tuesday: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton, whose talent, generosity, and spirit left an extraordinary mark on country music and generations of fans. We were honored to welcome Dolly to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in 1970 and are proud to have a small place in her remarkable legacy.”
Dolly Parton was 80 years old. She packed a whole lot of living, loving and giving back into that time. The legacy she leaves behind includes her deep passion for literacy. You can learn more about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and her Houston chapter, right here:
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