Reba McEntire is often referred to as the Queen of Country in deference to her decades-long career that’s seen her win three Grammy Awards and four CMA Awards for female vocalist of the year. However, even McEntire has been rendered speechless by other artists, namely Dolly Parton.
Parton has also been called a monarch of country music – although if you ask her, she’d say her favorite nickname is “the Book Lady” because of her efforts to encourage reading. These days, McEntire and Parton are close friends but there was a time before, a time when they had their very first meeting and the monumentally successful McEntire was as giddy as any fan to meet a legend.
Reba McEntire was awed when she first met Dolly Parton
Evan Paul with Taste of Country recently sat down with McEntire to revisit key moments in her career and personal life. At one point, the conversation turned to that definitive moment when McEntire met Parton for the very first time.
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“The first time I was ever in her presence was September 17, 1977,” recalled McEntire. “It was my first time at the Grand Ole Opry. 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 had no objections to this, going so far as to say, “She can have both of them,” before inquiring, “Can I meet her?”
“I didn’t meet her, but she did walk in front of me,” continued McEntire, “and I thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life.’ She kinda floated by. She was just like an angel.”
The stars continued to cross
Just as McEntire had no grievances with giving her songs to Parton, she also never aimed to compete with her or felt overshadowed by the “Jolene” singer. When Paul inquired about any competitive nature between the two, McEntire clarified, “Not competition with Dolly. No. I am not a competitor with Dolly.”
Part of that stems from the sheer awe McEntire feels for Parton. She adds, “Dolly’s Dolly. I’m a little over here. Dolly, you know .. she’s everything. I’ve always looked up to her. I’ve watched. I’ve learned. I have listened.”
Their friendship has a distinctly collaborative air to it. In fact, on October 6, McEntire celebrated the release of her new album, Not That Fancy, which offers a collection of acoustic covers of McEntire’s most celebrated tracks. In it, none other than Parton is heard in “Does He Love You,” in place of Linda Davis.
McEntire also has a new book that was released on October 10: Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots.
