Remembering a Legend

CRESCO - In the summer of 1970, Cresco, Iowa was treated to a night of unforgettable music as the legendary “Queen of Country’, Dolly Parton graced the stage at the Howard County Fair. Performing alongside Porter Wagoner as part of the esteemed Porter Wagoner Show, Dolly's presence lit up the fairgrounds and captured the hearts of all in attendance.

   The lineup for the night was nothing short of spectacular, featuring the country music superstars Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, and Speck Rhodes. But it was Dolly's performance that stole the show, leaving a lasting impression on the local community.

   Now, decades later, longtime fairgoers still fondly recall the historic appearance of a young Dolly Parton with her signature big hair and powerhouse vocals. Little did they know at the time, they were witnessing the early beginnings of a music icon who would go on to reach international superstardom.

   As the memories of that magical night at the Mighty Howard County Fair continue to live on, Dolly Parton's legacy and timeless music remain a cherished part of the town's history. The echoes of her performance in 1970 still resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to experience her talent live on stage.

   Sadly, on August 25, 2026,  the music world mourned the loss of a true legend, as Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 in Nashville, TN after a brief battle with cancer. In a statement on his instagram page after Dolly’s death,  nephew and her head of security Bryan Seaver, restated, “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.” 

   Despite her physical absence, Dolly's spirit and impact on the music industry live on, and her memory will forever be enshrined in the hearts of fans around the world. The legacy of Dolly Parton will always be an inspiration for generations to come. From her early days performing at the Howard County Fair, to her unparalleled success worldwide, her philanthropy as well as being known for her truly kind and empathic personality, Howard County as well as the rest of the world was fortunate to have Dolly make our world a little brighter.

 

5 Dolly Facts:

   -Dolly was one of 12 children raised in a tiny two-room cabin in East Tennessee.

   -She wrote her legendary hits "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" on the exact same day in 1973.

   -She once entered a Dolly Parton look-alike contest in Los Angeles and lost.

 -Dolly the sheep—was named after her because the clone was derived from a mammary cell. 

    -She founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to mail free books to children, inspired by her literate devotion and her father's inability to read.