This Amazing ’80s Dolly Parton & Reba McEntire Pic Proves “The Higher the Hair…”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In the world of country music, few names shine as brightly as Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. Their bond, which has grown over the decades, began with McEntire as an awe-struck fan watching Parton perform at the Grand Ole Opry. This enduring friendship highlights their journey from mutual admiration to shared stages and heartfelt moments.
McEntire’s debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977 came a year after her first single. However, her big moment was unexpectedly cut short by Parton’s arrival. “The first time I was ever in her presence was September 17, 1977. It was my first time at the Grand Ole Opry,” McEntire recounted in a 2023 interview with Taste of Country. “I was gonna get to do two songs, and they came to me and said, ‘Well, we’re gonna have to take one of your songs,’ and I said, ‘Why?’ They said, ‘Well, Dolly Parton just pulled in the parking lot and we’re gonna give her one of your songs.'”
McEntire’s response was a mix of reverence and excitement: “I said, ‘She can have both of them. Can I meet her?'” Although they weren’t officially introduced that night, McEntire vividly remembers Parton’s entrance. “She had on the most beautiful black chiffon pantsuit with rhinestone butterflies on them and her beautiful hair. And I thought, ‘My gosh, that’s probably what an angel looks just like.'”
Fast forward to 1985, less than a decade later, and the two were sharing the stage at the Grand Ole Opry’s 60th anniversary celebration. This event, also televised, featured a roster of country music legends, including Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Parton, who had made her own Opry debut at just 13 years old in 1959, opened the show with her signature charm and iconic style.
Parton’s early days at the Opry were marked by her determination and talent. “Most of the artists at the Opry had two spots, so I just walked up to Jimmy C. Newman and I said, ‘Jimmy, I want to sing,'” Parton reminisced. “So he told Johnny Cash that I was going to sing, and Johnny introduced me, and I sang my little heart out.” Her rendition of Cash’s “You Gotta Be My Baby” and three encores left an indelible mark on the audience.
The 60th anniversary celebration opened with a collaborative performance of “The Wabash Cannonball,” led by Roy Acuff, featuring both Parton and McEntire. Parton shone in her solo segment with “Coat of Many Colors,” while McEntire was officially inducted as an Opry member. Her emotional acceptance speech and performance of “Somebody Should Leave” brought the audience to their feet and tears to her eyes.
Today, the camaraderie between Parton and McEntire is evident, though Parton’s unique communication style remains a quirky part of their relationship. In an October 2023 interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, McEntire revealed that Parton eschews modern communication methods like texting and email, preferring to use fax. “I don’t have her telephone number,” McEntire admitted, sharing that even Kenny Rogers didn’t have it. Parton’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, confirmed this in a June interview with W Magazine, saying she too communicates with Parton via fax, often through her lawyer’s office.
From star-struck fan to close friend, McEntire’s journey with Parton is a testament to the enduring power of admiration, shared experiences, and the occasional high hairdo. Their story continues to inspire, reminding fans of the deep roots and vibrant connections in the world of country music.
