Randy Travis is remembering Dolly Parton not only as a country music legend, but as a friend whose humor could instantly transform a room.

Following Parton’s death at 80 on Aug. 25, 2026, Travis shared one of his favorite memories with the superstar: a playful moment at the 1988 CMA Awards that perfectly captured her fearless personality.

During the ceremony, Parton surprised Travis, who was serving as a presenter, by sitting on his lap and joking about what might have happened if she had been younger and single. With her trademark humor, she teased that if Travis liked “little blondes with big hair and big… ideas,” she would have given him a run for his money.

The unexpected joke sent the audience into loud laughter and applause. The two stars would reunite the following year to present an award together at the 1989 CMA Awards.

Sharing video of the unforgettable moment on Instagram, Travis called it one of his favorite memories with Parton.

But alongside the lighthearted memory came a deeply emotional tribute to the woman he described as his sweet friend.

“From our hearts to the throne of glory, we release one of our greatest angels….our butterfly, Dolly,” Travis wrote, reflecting on the singer’s extraordinary influence on his life and country music.

Travis praised Parton’s ability to make everyone around her feel valued, describing her kindness as genuine, her faith as strong and her humor as something that lit up a room. He also remembered her encouragement during difficult chapters of his own life.

The country star wrote that he would always treasure their conversations, laughter and memories, emphasizing that Parton gave the world far more than iconic songs and a remarkable voice — she gave people herself.

Travis also reflected on Parton’s nearly six-decade marriage to Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82. In a particularly poignant line, Travis told his longtime friend that it was now her turn to “dance with Carl.”

He thanked Parton for demonstrating how success could be carried with grace and how talent could be used to help others. He said her mission to make people happy, lift them up and glorify God was complete, adding that she had left the world better than she found it.

“There will never be another you, Dolly,” Travis wrote.

Parton died on Aug. 25 at age 80, four days after she was admitted to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Aug. 21. Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death in an Instagram video.

For Travis, however, Parton’s legacy lives not only through her music, but through the laughter, kindness and unforgettable moments she shared with the people lucky enough to know her.

Source: Various Sources