Actor and singer John Schneider described country music legend Dolly Parton as “joy on two feet,” whose kindness and positive spirit remained constant whether she was performing before an audience or working behind the scenes. The comments were shared Wednesday following Parton’s death Tuesday.
Schneider recounted how Parton invited him to the set of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, where he witnessed her perform one of her signature songs, including “I Will Always Love You.” He said: “She invited me on the set of ‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,’ and I was there the day she sang ‘I Will Always Love You.’ So, how amazing is that?”
Schneider noted that Parton originally wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a farewell to Porter Wagoner ahead of her solo career. The song later became a global hit when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
While acknowledging Parton’s death as a profound loss, Schneider emphasized that she would likely tell those in mourning not to cry: “It is very sad, but we have to fight that sadness for Dolly’s sake, because I guarantee you what Dolly Parton would say is, do not cry for me.”
Schneider also highlighted Parton’s exceptional ability to radiate kindness and appreciation for her position—whether on stage, backstage, or during rehearsals. He stated: “You couldn’t have a bad day if you were talking with Dolly. You couldn’t have a bad day if you were in the same room with Dolly.”
The actor added that Parton earned admiration not only from fans but also from country music’s biggest names. When asked who would be their favorite collaborator, he said: “If you asked Kenny Rogers, if you asked Loretta Lynn, if you asked … Dottie West, they would all say, before you finish the question, Dolly Parton.”
Schneider concluded that Parton had a unique reputation with both fans and peers: “She had that reputation with her fans, absolutely, but she also had that reputation with her peers and that is very unusual.”
