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Belle Frantz Made a Moving Grand Ole Opry Debut Honoring Dolly Parton
On Saturday night, August 29, rising country star Belle Frantz experienced a milestone moment as she stepped onto the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage for the very first time. In a heartfelt tribute, Frantz honored the legendary Dolly Parton, whose influence gave her the courage to forge her own path in music.
During the Opry’s celebration of Parton’s legacy, Frantz performed the gospel song “Where No One Stands Alone” and became visibly emotional as the audience responded with a standing ovation. Fighting back tears, she told the crowd, “This moment and you and this, I will never forget this for my entire life.” When an audience member shouted, “We love you,” Frantz warmly replied, “I love you.”
Reflecting on the significance of the night, Frantz admitted she struggled to find the right words to describe her Opry debut. “I’ve dreamed about this since I was a little girl,” she shared. “I don’t even have words for it right now, but I do have words for Miss Dolly Parton.”
Frantz spoke movingly about Parton’s boldness in openly embracing her faith without ever imposing it on others. “She knew she could be two things at once,” Frantz said.
“Witty and a little naughty, and faithful. She never shied from it, but she also never made anyone feel like they had to be faithful too.”
The tribute carried added significance for Frantz, who had been scheduled to open for Parton during the country icon’s canceled Las Vegas residency last year. Saturday’s performance thus bridged a poignant connection between a lost opportunity and the realization of a lifelong dream.
Frantz also shared how Parton’s example inspired her to pursue a gospel album for her debut full-length release, Hymns From a Barstool, due out November 6. “It’s scary to make a debut album, and even scarier for some to hear it’s gospel,” Frantz explained. “But I felt bold enough to do that because of Miss Dolly Parton.”
The Greenwood Springs, Mississippi native has established herself as a traditional country artist, having shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Alabama, and Tracy Lawrence, as well as co-writing with Vince Gill. For Frantz, gospel music is deeply intertwined with her country roots and personal faith.
Part of her upcoming album was recorded at Elvis Presley’s childhood church, which also holds family significance as her great-grandfather’s church. Collaborations with country legends Wynonna Judd and Reba McEntire further highlight the project’s strong ties to country music tradition.
Before performing an original song inspired by Parton’s songwriting, Frantz emphasized her desire to honor not only the singer’s faith but also her artistry. As the applause brought her to tears, it was clear that Dolly Parton’s lesson in boldness was already guiding Belle Frantz’s promising career on the Grand Ole Opry stage.