Dolly Parton’s Enduring Friendships
Dolly Parton is known worldwide for her iconic music, charming personality, and larger-than-life presence on stage. But behind the glamour and fame, Dolly has maintained deep friendships that have lasted decades. Despite her superstar status, Dolly has stayed true to her roots and cherished the people who knew her before she was famous. Two of her most enduring friendships are with Judy Ogle and Reba McEntire – women who have been by Dolly’s side through all of life’s ups and downs.
The Beginning: Dolly and Judy
Dolly Parton and Judy Ogle have been friends since they were young girls growing up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Dolly and Judy met in elementary school in the small town of Sevierville. Though they came from humble beginnings, they found a connection through their mutual love of music and dreams of someday becoming performers.
In many interviews over the years, Dolly has spoken fondly about Judy and the unbreakable bond they formed from those early days. Dolly has said Judy was one of the only friends she had as a child. Life was difficult in their rural community, but Dolly and Judy helped each other escape into a world of imagination and song. They spent hours singing together and encouraging each other to follow their artistic passions, even when others tried to convince them it wasn’t a practical path.
As they got older, Dolly and Judy attended high school together and continued pursuing music outside of school. Dolly learned to play the guitar and began performing locally. Judy was her loyal companion at every show, cheering her on from the audience. When Dolly got her big break after graduating high school and moved to Nashville to kickstart her country career, Judy was one of the only people she kept in close contact with from home.
Over the decades that followed, Dolly Parton rose to become one of the most famous entertainers in the world, but she never forgot her roots or her dear friend Judy. Dolly has said that no matter where her career took her or how successful she became, she always knew she had Judy’s unconditional love and support. Judy was one of the few people who knew Dolly before the fame and fortune, and their friendship endured all the ups and downs of superstardom.
Today, Dolly and Judy remain close. Judy still lives in their hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, near Dolly’s Dollywood theme park. Dolly frequently visits Judy when she’s in town and calls her regularly to catch up. In interviews, Dolly lights up when talking about Judy and is grateful for a friendship that has lasted over 60 years, since they were little girls with big dreams in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a friendship built to last through thick and thin, a true testament to the deep bond Dolly and Judy forged so many years ago.
A Meeting of Talents: Dolly and Reba
Another legendary country star who Dolly Parton counts as a dear friend is fellow icon Reba McEntire. Dolly and Reba’s paths first crossed in the early 1980s as their careers in Nashville were skyrocketing. They bonded over their musical talents and drive to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Dolly recognized Reba’s star potential early on and became one of her champions.
In 1984, Dolly and Reba teamed up to record “Does He Love You,” a song Dolly had written. The duet became one of Reba’s signature songs and helped cement her status as a formidable force in country music. Dolly enjoyed the creative process of working with Reba in the studio and seeing her talents shine on the track. Their successful collaboration kickstarted a strong friendship between the two superstars.
Over the decades, Dolly and Reba continued supporting each other’s careers. They’ve performed together on numerous occasions, duetted on additional songs, and shown up to award shows to cheer each other on. In 2010, they even embarked on the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour together to sold-out crowds across North America. Fans loved seeing the friendship and chemistry between the legends up close on stage.
Off stage, Dolly and Reba have bonded over their shared experiences in the cutthroat music industry and navigating fame and motherhood simultaneously. They’ve leaned on each other for advice and been each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Dolly has praised Reba’s talent, work ethic, and mothering skills. Reba has said Dolly is like an older sister who has helped guide her career path. Their mutual respect and affection is clear to anyone who sees them interact.
Today, Dolly and Reba’s friendship remains as strong as ever, nearly 40 years since they first met. They stay in regular contact and continue collaborating on projects whenever possible. Their successful partnership has endured the test of time and shown that two superstars can also be close friends united by their love of country music and each other’s company. Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire’s bond is a heartwarming example of a friendship between peers that blossomed from a chance meeting and creative synergy in Nashville.
Lessons from Dolly’s Friendships
Dolly Parton’s enduring friendships with Judy Ogle and Reba McEntire offer insights into what keeps relationships thriving for decades, even amid fame and fortune. A few key lessons stand out:
– Build friendship on shared interests and support of each other’s dreams from an early age. Dolly and Judy bonded through their passion for music from childhood.
– Stay humble and grounded. Dolly never forgot where she came from and cherished those who knew her before fame, like Judy.
– Look for friendship with peers who understand the industry grind and pressures. Dolly and Reba supported each other’s careers in country music.
– Find strength in numbers. There is power in having another female friend who can empathize with the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated field.
– Collaboration breeds closeness. Working together creatively, like Dolly and Reba’s “Does He Love You” duet, brought them even closer.
– Make time for friendship amid busy careers. Dolly and Reba schedule visits, performances, and projects together to nurture their bond.
– Offer guidance to up-and-coming friends. Dolly mentored Reba early in her career and continues championing new talent.
In an industry where fame can be fleeting, Dolly Parton has built a legacy that endures through her music, business savvy, charisma, and authentic friendships. Her deep bonds with Judy Ogle and Reba McEntire spanning decades prove that true blue relationships are the most precious currency, even for a superstar the caliber of Dolly.