This week as country music legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dolly Parton turns 80 on Jan. 19, we recall some of her notable visits to Louisiana.
In February 1988, Parton was a guest of the Krewe of Endymion, riding on a float in the parade and appearing at the post-parade Superdome Extravaganza while recording footage for her weekly ABC variety series, “Dolly.”
She returned to the city the following month to film musical numbers. “I just think it’s a fascinating city, probably the most fascinating city in all the United States,” Parton told The Times-Picayune. “There’s just so many colorful people here…the music is great and it’s really got a lot of atmosphere.” Her guests included the Neville Brothers, Irma Thomas, Dr. John, Pete Fountain, Allen Toussaint and the Dixie Cups…