Lainey Wilson Delivers Showstopping Performance of Dolly Parton Bluegrass Classic at CMA Tribute

Lainey Wilson performed Dolly Parton’s “Train, Train” at a CMA tribute celebrating Parton’s musical legacy after her death on 25 August. Wilson also joined Lukas Nelson for “You Can’t Make Old Friends”, bringing personal warmth to an evening honouring one of country music’s most influential artists.

Wilson and Parton had become friends, and Wilson said they spoke by phone a few weeks before Parton died. Their conversation touched on music, work, Parton’s husband Carl Dean and Wilson’s partner, Duck; Wilson also recalled Parton’s advice to make room for each other’s individuality. Wilson had previously recorded “Mama She’s Crazy” with Parton for a Judds tribute album released in October 2023.