A Mantra That Shaped a Career
For Lainey Wilson, Dolly Parton wasn’t just a country music icon, she was a guiding force behind nearly every decision in her career. Following Parton’s death at 80 on August 25, Wilson shared a tribute revealing just how much she leaned on Parton’s example, both as inspiration and, eventually, as a personal friend.
Wilson has long described asking herself, “What would Dolly do?” whenever she faced uncertainty in her career, a mantra she says helped guide her through some of her toughest moments in the music industry.
Years of Struggle Before Stardom
That guidance mattered most in Wilson’s early years. After moving to Nashville in 2011, she spent three years living in a camper trailer while trying to break into the business, walking up and down Music Row and handing out demos to anyone who would listen. Rejection followed her for years before “Things a Man Oughta Know” finally became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2021.
From Admirer to Collaborator
Eventually, Wilson’s admiration for Parton turned into an actual working relationship. The two spent time together in the studio, and Wilson recorded a cover of “Mama He’s Crazy” alongside Parton for a Judds tribute album. Wilson has said the experience felt surreal, describing Parton’s coaching and their easy banter as something that made her feel like she’d known her idol “from another lifetime.”
A Friendship Built on Shared Purpose
That bond deepened further during a final phone call the two shared just weeks before Parton’s death. Wilson said they talked about the sacrifices that come with a music career, along with the sense both women shared that they had been called into the business. Wilson recalled Parton admitting she still felt like her work wasn’t finished, a moment Wilson said has stayed with her since.
Grace Under Pressure
Speaking at a BMI conference, Wilson previously described Parton as someone she turned to whenever she doubted herself professionally, whether deciding on a lyric, a business move or simply how to carry herself publicly. “She somehow always does it with grace,” Wilson said of her mentor.
A Tribute Rooted in Gratitude
In her farewell message, Wilson thanked God for giving Parton her gift and for the chance to know her personally, not just as a fan, but as a friend. She even imagined their eventual reunion, joking that Parton would likely still be reminding her not to mess up her hair.
Wilson ended her tribute with a simple line: “I will always love you, my friend.”
She remains on tour, with shows and festival appearances scheduled through October 2026.
Source: Compiled from various sources
