Stevie Nicks looked back at her time creating music with Dolly Parton in Nashville following the country icon’s death on Tuesday.
Nicks posted a photo of a letter she wrote alongside a photo of herself and Parton, wearing sparkling red earrings and an equally embellished top, on social media. In the letter, Nicks recounted their week together recording “What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done For You” for Parton’s 2023 Rockstar album. The duet, originally written for Fleetwood Mac, features as the ninth track on the LP.
In her post, Nicks called it the “Best week ever,” adding, “A week with Dolly was like a master class for me.” During their few days together, she “tried to be a sponge” and “learn everything I could learn from her.” Learning from Parton turned out to be easy, as “she was a really good teacher.” In turn, Nicks said, “I think she saw me as a really good student; I just tried to listen.”
In signature Dolly fashion, “She said she could become a rock star ~ and I watched her do it.” Nicks added, “When I was there she was not even close to being finished gathering more rock & roll songs that she wanted to sing.”
Before concluding her tribute, the singer-songwriter penned a remembrance to Parton:
“So, 🤍
Dolly, Dolly, Dolly ~
Rock and Roll & Country ~
Carry all those songs with you ~
Right up to heaven ~
Sing your songs to all those you meet
This will be their blessing
Dolly, how we’ll miss you
There’ll never be another you ~
And I will always love you
Love Love Love,
Stevie”
Parton’s death at 80 has left an immeasurable loss that has been felt across generations. The legendary storyteller was known for her kindness, wit, and resilience as much as for her music, film features, philanthropy, and sprawling business ventures. Tributes have been shared by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, all living U.S. presidents, Jelly Roll, Brandi Carlile, Eminem, Jack White, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, and more.
