Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill joined forces to honor Dolly Parton during Grand Ole Opry Goes Dolly on Saturday night, January 17, delivering one of the most emotional and memorable moments of the evening ahead of Parton’s 80th birthday on January 19.
Wilson kicked off her set with fan favorites “WWDD (What Would Dolly Do),” “Somewhere Over Laredo,” and “4X4XU,” before pausing to welcome a very special guest. Clearly moved by the moment, the 33-year-old star spoke candidly about the influence both Gill and Parton have had on her life and career.
“I want to welcome to the stage, a buddy of mine,” Wilson told the crowd. “This man right here is a hero of mine. A lot of people say, ‘don’t meet your heroes,’ but there are two of my heroes that I’ve met so far — this guy right here, Mr. Vince Gill, and Dolly Parton. I could listen to this man sing the phone book. He could do no wrong.”
The two Opry members opened their collaboration with “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” a song Parton first released in 1977 on New Harvest… First Gathering. The track has been recorded several times over the years, most recently in January 2026 when Wilson joined Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire on a special charity version benefiting pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Before beginning the song, Wilson reflected on her growing bond with Parton and the honor of celebrating her legacy.
“I’ve gotten to spend some time with Dolly in the studio, and she is as great as all of y’all think she is,” Wilson shared. “She’s the real deal. What you see is what you get. She’s got a heart of gold, and I’m honored to be here celebrating her tonight.”
Wilson and Gill then closed their set with a stunning rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” Gill handled the opening verse and chorus before Wilson took over the second verse, with the two joining together in harmony as photos of Parton filled the stage backdrop. The performance brought the Opry crowd to its feet for a prolonged standing ovation.
The night featured a star-studded lineup paying tribute to Parton, including Elizabeth Nichols, Mark Wills, Sierra Hull, Rhonda Vincent, and Trannie Anderson, who made her Grand Ole Opry debut during the celebration.
In keeping with Parton’s lifelong commitment to giving back, $5 from every ticket sold went to her Imagination Library, the global book-gifting program that mails free books to children from birth to age five. The Opry also partnered with Julien’s Auctions to offer a one-of-a-kind, rhinestone-covered microphone stand signed by Parton, with proceeds benefiting the Opry Trust Fund.
It was a night rooted in gratitude, legacy, and love — a fitting tribute to Dolly Parton, whose influence continues to shape country music generations later.