Steve Guest, a Christchurch promoter and friend of Parton, met the Jolene singer for the first time in the United Kingdom 20 years ago.
Working in London with Live Nation, Guest was approached by Parton’s manager about doing a tour with the singer.
Steve Guest says Parton treated his daughter like one of her grandchildren.
“We said, ‘hell yeah, it’s Dolly Parton’, I think we put a little swear word in the middle of that,” he said.
A tour full of glitz, glamour and rhinestones began, and so did a lifelong friendship.
“I’ve worked with her up until this day, and working not just on the tours, but on books and movies and the stage show 9 to 5 and various other bits and pieces,” he said.
“We just became very close.”
Steve Guest says Parton would want fans to celebrate her life.
Guest said Parton first met his daughter when she was 3 months old at the Savoy Hotel in London.
“She basically took my daughter Gracie under her wing and treated her like she was one of her own grandkids,” he said.
“Her team and families’ kids were her kids. She’s just had such a close affinity with my wife and my daughter and my extended family.”
Guest said Parton was “genuinely interested in people”, no matter their story.
“She saw no barriers; she saw people for people and a person for a person; it didn’t matter where they were from or what background.”
He recalled a media trip in which journalists travelled from Europe to Nashville.
Parton laid out two tables: one with Tennessee food and the other with English and European food.
“She wanted to show that she had her hospitality extended to sharing her food from her place, but also that you’d feel at home if you wanted a cup of tea in her home.”
Steve Guest’s tribute recalled Parton’s warmth and hospitality.
Guest recalled another memory in which Parton organised an Easter basket for his daughter when they travelled to Nashville.
“I truly believe we are exceptionally lucky to have lived and been alive … in a world where Dolly Parton’s existed at the same time,” he said.
“She wouldn’t want us to be sad; she’d want us to celebrate. She gave so much good to this world. What you saw is what you got.
“As I say, she’s funny as hell; her legacy is what will carry on.
“Let’s celebrate and play her music, watch her movies, and be an inspiration, and try and make the world a little bit of a better place.”