Lainey Wilson has posted a heartfelt tribute to the late Dolly Parton following the country icon’s death this week at the age of 80, sharing intimate details about their final conversation.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, 34, shared a slideshow of images on Instagram of her with the late country music icon, and of their collaboration on stage and in the studio.
The Baskin, Louisiana, native added details about her grief for Parton in the caption, writing, “My Dolly. Before we met, I felt like you were my friend. You made everyone feel that way.”
Wilson said that when they “became friends, we had a lot to talk about.”
The Wildflowers and Wild Horses singer opened up about the last time they spoke on the phone, writing, “I’m glad you called a few weeks ago.”
The Daily Mail has contacted Wilson’s representatives for further comment on the story.
Lainey Wilson, 34, shared a heartfelt memorial for the late Dolly Parton following the country icon’s death this week at the age of 80, sharing intimate details about their final conversation. Pictured in 2023 in Nashville
In the discussion, Wilson said they talked about their profession as well as her husband Devlin “Duck” Hodges and Parton’s late husband Carl Dean.
“We need to talk about the business, the sacrifice, how special Carl Dean was to you and how important Duck is to me,” Wilson said. “You told me that ‘it’s all great and all that Duck lets you be yourself, but you better make sure you let Duck be himself too.’
Wilson said she and Parton also talked about their faith and Bible readings.
“You also told me to take some time to read the book of Revelation and maybe go back to the Psalms to catch my breath,” Wilson said.
Parton alluded to their spirituality when she told Wilson that she had remained focused on continuing to work.
“We were talking about how we both felt like we were called into this case and you told me you felt like you weren’t done yet,” Wilson said. “Well, my friend, you’re not.
“The kind of love and light you radiated throughout your life is the kind that never goes away.”
Wilson said she had “been grateful to the Lord” and given Parton a gift that she shared with the world, and that “the Lord decided to share you with us.”
Wilson took the stage with her mentor at the 2023 Country Music Awards
Wilson said she and Parton also talked about their spouses and trust during their final phone call
Wilson said in 2023 that Parton was a mentor to her as she navigated life and her career, often asking the question, “What would Dolly do?” to himself
She added, “I can’t wait to see you again and I know when I hug your neck in heaven one day, you’ll still say, ‘Don’t mess up your hair, Lainey girl.’
Wilson ended the emotional statement by quoting one of Parton’s most famous songs, writing, “I will always love you, my friend.”
Wilson in a 2023 interview with People said Parton was a mentor to her as she navigated life and her career, often asking the question, “What would Dolly do?” to himself.
She opened up about Parton’s influence in a BMI News Conference earlier this year.
“I think you all probably know how important Dolly is to me and my journey and how important she is to so many people,” Wilson said.
Wilson added, “She’s definitely someone I look up to when I think, ‘Can I do this?’ Can’t I do that? Should I do this? Shouldn’t I do that? Need to say this, right? Somehow she always does it with grace.”
The duo had collaborated with each other in 2023 to cover the Judds song Mama He’s Crazy, which Wilson spoke enthusiastically about.
“I got to spend time with her in the studio,” she said, “and just having her coach me and the banter that me and her have had together, I feel like I already know her from another life.”
