A Heartfelt Tribute to Dolly Parton
Ashley McBryde spoke about the profound impact of Dolly Parton during her recent appearance on CBS Mornings. In a conversation with host Norah O’Donnell, McBryde reflected on the outpouring of tributes honoring the legendary country singer following her passing.
The Influence of a Country Icon
“The tributes have been incredible, particularly seeing people don butterfly pins as a sign of respect. It’s clear that every artist in country music has been shaped and inspired by Dolly Parton. Anyone who claims otherwise is simply not telling the truth,” McBryde remarked.
A Unique Gift That Became a Source of Confidence
Among the many gifts she received from Parton, McBryde highlighted a seemingly simple yet significant tube of chapstick. After moving to Nashville, McBryde had the opportunity to work for Parton briefly, during which the country legend gifted her a chapstick that McBryde has cherished for nearly 20 years.
“It’s the best chapstick in existence,” she playfully stated during her chat with O’Donnell. “I held onto it for so long that the label has completely worn off. I would use it as my secret weapon; whenever I needed a boost of confidence for an interview, applying that chapstick made me feel as if I had a piece of Dolly with me.”
Beyond Material Gifts
McBryde emphasized that the gifts from Parton extend far beyond the physical. “She imparted lessons and experiences that resonate with me deeply as an artist. I can still hear her banter from her live performances and albums, which I memorized as a child. Those memories continue to influence my performances today,” she added.
A Celebration of Dolly Parton
McBryde is set to perform in honor of Dolly Parton during the upcoming special event, “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.” This two-hour live tribute will showcase numerous artists paying homage to the country music legend.
Joining McBryde on stage will be a host of talented musicians, including Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire, among others. The event will be broadcast live on Wednesday, October 21, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC and Disney+, with a streaming option available on Hulu the following day. The tribute will take place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, in front of a live audience.
Source: countrynow.com