Dolly Parton has once again made headlines by collaborating with music legends Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr on her 2023 album, Rockstar. The project features a rendition of the classic song “Let It Be,” showcasing a remarkable blend of English and Nashville musical talent. In a candid interview with NPR, Parton shared how she approached McCartney through a heartfelt note sent via their managers, expressing her desire to have him sing on her rock album.
“I just sent them a love note,” Parton recalled, adding that she had already recorded the song before reaching out. After receiving a positive response from McCartney, she felt it was essential to include Starr as well, saying, “I thought, Well, we got to have Ringo, because that’s the last of the Beatles.” This collaboration marks another milestone for Parton, who will celebrate her 80th birthday on January 19, 2024.
Memorable Encounters with the Beatles
Interestingly, Parton’s connection to the Beatles dates back to the 1970s, long before their recent collaboration. She first met Paul McCartney and his wife, Linda, on June 16, 1974, backstage at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. The McCartneys were in Nashville for a six-week stay while recording singles with their band Wings, including the hit “Junior’s Farm.”
During their time in Nashville, the couple attended the Grand Masters Fiddling Contest at Opryland. During intermission, they were invited backstage where they met Parton and fellow country star Porter Wagoner. This meeting was particularly significant as it marked one of the last appearances of Parton and Wagoner as a duo, just one week after their final concert together.
Parton’s relationship with Wagoner was foundational to her early career, providing her with a platform to launch into stardom. Their split inspired Parton to write her iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” a tribute to Wagoner for his support.
A Surprising Dinner with Ringo Starr
Years later, in the late 1970s, Parton met Ringo Starr in Los Angeles, facilitated by Ken Mansfield, the former U.S. manager for the Beatles’ Apple Records. Mansfield was working to introduce Nashville artists to the rock-and-roll scene dominating the Sunset Strip. During this time, Starr was also residing in Los Angeles and had maintained a friendship with Mansfield.
On a fateful evening, Mansfield arranged a dinner gathering that surprised both Parton and Starr, as neither knew the other would be attending. According to Mansfield’s memoir, The White Book, the evening quickly took an unexpected turn when a fellow producer, Stewart Levine, crashed the intimate dinner. Levine was enthusiastic about meeting Parton, which led to a humorous and chaotic moment.
As Levine entered the home, he and Mansfield began to argue in the hallway, drawing the attention of Parton. She was taken aback upon seeing Levine and, in a light-hearted moment, expressed her admiration for his work. Mansfield recalled how Parton exclaimed that she never imagined meeting him and jokingly suggested she might have to leave the room due to her excitement.
The dinner, initially intended to foster a connection between Parton and Starr, turned into a memorable evening filled with laughter as the unexpected drama unfolded.
Parton’s encounters with the Beatles illustrate her enduring charm and ability to create lasting memories, both in her music and her interactions with fellow artists. This spirit is evident in her latest collaboration with McCartney and Starr, further enriching her legacy as a beloved figure in the music world.
