# 19 Years Ago Today, We Lost “Mr. Grand Ole Opry,” the Country Legend Who Helped Introduce Dolly Parton to the World

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/19-years-ago-today-we-lost-mr-grand-ole-opry-the-country-legend-who-helped-introduce-dolly-parton-to-the-world/
- Published: 2026-10-28T13:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T04:16:10+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/19-years-ago-today-we-lost-mr-grand-ole-opry-the-country-legend-who-helped-introduce-dolly-parton-to-the-world/
- Topics: Art, Celebrity, Culture, Entertainment, Health, Medicine, Music

## Key points

- Porter Wagoner died aged 80 in 2007.
- His television show helped introduce Dolly Parton to millions.
- He was a prominent Grand Ole Opry member and spokesman.

## Summary

Porter Wagoner, the country singer and long-time Grand Ole Opry figure, died of lung cancer on 28 October 2007, aged 80. He is remembered for his songs and television work, which helped introduce Dolly Parton to a national audience and launch her career.

Wagoner began performing in Missouri in the late 1940s and scored his first major hit as a songwriter in 1953. His television show ran for 21 years and drew about three million viewers at its peak; Parton joined in 1967, and their partnership produced several hit duets. He also welcomed James Brown to the Opry in 1979, became its unofficial spokesman after Roy Acuff’s death, and marked 50 years as a member in 2007.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.