A Mentor Who Became a Friend

Long before Lainey Wilson ever met Dolly Parton, she was already looking up to her. Over the years, that admiration turned into a real friendship, one built on shared studio sessions, late night phone calls and a bond Wilson has described as feeling like she’d known Parton “from another lifetime.” Following Parton’s death at 80 on August 25, Wilson shared an emotional tribute reflecting on just how much that relationship shaped her.

One Piece of Advice She’ll Carry Forever

Among the memories Wilson shared, one stood out: relationship advice Parton gave her just weeks before she died. During their final phone call, the two spoke about their respective partners, Parton’s late husband Carl Dean and Wilson’s husband, former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Parton told Wilson that while it was wonderful that her husband let her be herself, she needed to make sure she extended him the same freedom in return, a piece of wisdom Wilson says she’s held onto since.

Faith, Business and Feeling Called to Music

Their final conversation didn’t stop there. Wilson said they also discussed faith, with Parton encouraging her to take her time working through the Book of Revelation and to return to Psalms if she ever needed to catch her breath. The two also bonded over a shared sense that music had chosen them, with Wilson recalling Parton admitting she still felt like she wasn’t finished with her work.

A Mantra Born From Admiration

Wilson has long pointed to Parton as a defining influence on her career, often asking herself, “What would Dolly do?” That mindset carried her through years of struggle before she found success. After relocating to Nashville in 2011, Wilson spent three years living out of a camper trailer, walking Music Row and handing out demos, facing rejection again and again before “Things a Man Oughta Know” hit No. 1 in 2021.

From Fan to Collaborator

Eventually, admiration turned into collaboration. Wilson and Parton spent time together in the studio, and the two recorded a cover of “Mama He’s Crazy” for a Judds tribute album. Wilson has said working alongside her idol felt almost unreal, crediting Parton’s guidance whenever she second guessed a decision in her own career.

A Final Goodbye Filled With Warmth

In her tribute, Wilson thanked God for giving Parton her gift and for the chance to know her personally. She even pictured their eventual reunion, joking that Parton would likely still be telling her not to mess up her hair when they meet again in heaven.

Wilson closed her tribute with a simple line: “I will always love you, my friend.”

She remains on tour, with shows scheduled through October 2026.

Source: Compiled from various sources