Carly Pearce recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16: "I couldn't believe she was real"

Carly Pearce, a country singer, recalls her astonishment upon meeting Dolly Parton at just 16 years old while performing in Dollywood's Country Crossroads show. "I couldn't believe she was real," Pearce stated on CBS Mornings. The legendary Parton, who left behind a career spanning six decades, 10 Grammy Awards, and millions of fans, passed away at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.

Pearce was deeply saddened by the news, reflecting that it felt unreal to her. She had honored Parton with the ACM Poet's Award just weeks prior, and Pearce even performed "9 to 5" for her. Parton, known for her business acumen as well as her musical talents, owned all the publishing rights to her music, generating substantial wealth.

Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You," a hit that benefited Parton, earned millions. Country singer Lauren Alaina, who also met Parton, shared that the businesswoman once advised her to prioritize her career last, highlighting faith and family as top priorities. Parton's legacy includes her purchase of Dollywood, a theme park in western Tennessee, which has become a highly successful destination.

Pearce expressed her admiration for Parton's unyielding dedication, noting that at 80, she continued to raise the bar, inspired by her ongoing achievements such as a musical, a new hotel in Nashville, and her travel gas station.