Remembering Dolly Parton

(Aired Sun 9/01/26) On this special episode of WUTC's "Retro Opry Collective," host CT Martin presents a two-hour tribute of Dolly Parton, country music legend from the heart of Appalachia.

In 2023, WUTC's Richard Winham shared a conversation with Julie Bloemeke and Dustin Brookshire on "Let Me Say This" - an anthology of poems celebrating Dolly Parton, East Tennessee's own and a country music legend, who died on August 25th, 2026.

The artist was a star performer in country music and went on to become one of the genre's most recognizable and universally adored ambassadors to broader popular culture.

Parton, who died at 80 on Tuesday, had charm, depth, beauty, wit and radiant goodness. She was also a songwriter whose work told the story not just of country music but of the country itself.

The great Dolly Parton died earlier this week and tributes have poured in from across the country. Fans are mourning the loss of a country music icon who not only changed the musical landscape but gave back to communities with her Imagination Library program and donations to develop the Moderna COVID vaccine.

Dolly Parton's songs traveled far beyond Nashville. Across Africa, musicians embraced her stories of hardship, heartbreak and humble beginnings — and made them their own.