On August 23, 2016, ten years ago this week, I was with Dolly Parton in New York City, and we were about to do a live segment on FOX & Friends.
Just before we went on, I asked Dolly if I could take a selfie with her.
She looked at me and said, “Why would you want a picture with little ol’ me?”
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I laughed and said, “Hello…Dolly—you’re Dolly Parton!”
That was Dolly.
Over my years on “FOX & Friends,” I was lucky enough to interview her probably half a dozen times. And here’s something people watching at home wouldn’t necessarily know: Dolly was always on time. Always prepared. Always a professional.
In morning television, where guests sometimes arrive moments before they’re supposed to be on live TV—or occasionally after—that matters!
Dolly showed up ready to go. And the minute the camera came on, so did that Dolly magic.
She was funny, quick, kind and incredibly smart. She knew exactly what she wanted to say, but somehow never let an interview feel rehearsed. You could ask her a serious question and get a thoughtful answer, then a few seconds later she’d say something hilarious that nobody saw coming.
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She was simply great television.
But what I remember most is that she was just as nice when the cameras weren’t rolling.
Underneath the rhinestones, the big hair and that unmistakable Tennessee voice was a very savvy businesswoman. Dolly didn’t just build a career. She built an empire. She understood her audience, understood her brand and, most importantly, understood people. And somehow, through all that enormous success, she remained remarkably down-to-earth.
A few years ago, I interviewed Dolly and my friend James Patterson about the novel they wrote together, “Run, Rose, Run”. Later, when I toured James’ Florida home, he showed me one of his prized possessions: a guitar Dolly had given him, inscribed with a birthday message that ended, naturally, “I will always love you.”
That was Dolly, too.
And there’s another connection I had completely forgotten until today. During the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge craze in 2014, Kenny Rogers was challenged by Lionel Richie. Kenny then nominated three people to go next: Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton…and me.
To this day, I’m still not entirely sure how Steve Doocy wound up on a list with Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton—but I’m glad I did!
Dolly was one of those rare people who seemed to be exactly the same person when the cameras were off as when they were on.
Funny. Kind. Smart. Professional. And completely original.
She wrote songs that generations know by heart. She became a legendary entertainer, songwriter and businesswoman. She gave away millions of books to children. And she never seemed to forget where she came from—or lose her wonderful ability to laugh at herself.
For all her fame, Dolly always seemed to understand something important: being nice to people doesn’t cost a thing.
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I’m grateful our paths crossed so many times. And today, ten years later, I’m especially grateful I asked for that selfie.
Godspeed, Dolly.
Thanks for the music, the laughs, the memories—and the kindness.
There will never be another one quite like you.
