From a longtime country radio host to fellow musician, Austinites are remembering their personal connections to Dolly Parton and the impact she left on their lives.
AUSTIN, Texas — Dolly Parton touched generations of fans around the world, but for several Austinites, the country music legend’s death Tuesday brought back deeply personal memories of her music, friendship and generosity.
Parton had long-standing ties to Austin, from performances in the city to film projects shot in Central Texas.
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For those who played her music, worked alongside her or found inspiration in her career, she was more than a familiar face and voice.
“Everybody always says angel, and I really don’t know a better word,” longtime Austin country radio host Bob Cole said.
Cole spent decades playing Parton’s music and following her career.
He said the news of her death came as a shock.
“This was quite a shock, even at 80,” Cole said. “This was a real shock.”
Ray Benson, leader of the band Asleep at the Wheel, also shared a decadeslong connection with Parton.
Benson and Parton shared both a friendship and the stage over the years. They also worked together on the 1991 television movie “Wild Texas Wind.”
Across Austin’s performing arts community, Parton’s influence reached well beyond country music.
Austin drag performer Brigitte Bandit said her first official booking was for a Dolly Parton-themed show.
Years later, that connection came full circle.
A photo of Bandit testifying at the Texas Capitol while holding a children’s book about Parton eventually made its way to the country music star.
“She showed Dolly the photo of me with her book at the Capitol,” Bandit said. “And so Dolly signed this.”
Bandit now has a rhinestone-covered guitar signed by Parton and sent to her as a gift.
“I’m very honored to have this recognition now,” Bandit said.
The memories Cole, Benson and Bandit carry of Parton are different. But as these Austinites reflected on Parton’s death Tuesday, they shared a similar feeling of gratitude for what she left behind.
“Dolly Parton truly left this world a better place,” Cole said.