Dolly Parton’s ‘spicy girl gossip’ remembered by friend Liza Minnelli who says country icon always knew ‘when I was in trouble’
Liza Minnelli posted a heartbroken testimonial to her friend Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80 after a secret cancer battle.
‘When I was in trouble? Dolly knew it,’ wrote Minnelli, 80, presumably in reference to her own struggles with addiction and a turbulent love life that included four divorces.
Explaining that they were introduced by their mutual agent Sam Haskell, Minnelli reminisced about the ‘spicy girl gossip’ they exchanged over ‘great meals’ they shared after watching each other perform onstage.
‘The sound we hear isn’t thunder; it’s hearts cracking all over the world. No. It can’t be true,’ she wrote in response to news of Parton’s demise.
‘This is devastating for so many reasons. I love Dolly. And she was always a truly supportive friend. We cheered each other on many times,’ she added.
‘There’s much to say at this moment. I can’t get any words out. My throat … my heart … are full,’ the Oscar-winning actress wrote.
Liza Minnelli posted a heartbroken testimonial to her friend Dolly Parton , who died Tuesday at the age of 80 after a secret cancer battle; pictured in 2009
She explained that Haskell represented not only her and Parton but also Michael Feinstein, Minnelli’s longtime best friend and musical collaborator and the co-writer of her new memoir Kids, Wait ‘Til You Hear This!.
‘Because of Sam, our tribe has special & beautiful memories of Dolly. Sam brought Dolly into our lives in powerful ways,’ Minnelli recalled.
‘Michael sang “Love Is Here To Stay” with Dolly for his Gershwin Country album, which I Executive Produced. Of course, it was a hit.’
Finding herself at a loss for words from grief, Minnelli quoted extensively from the statement Haskell gave about Parton’s death to People.
Haskell, who worked with Parton for 44 years, hailed her as ‘a woman of profound faith, dazzling humor, extraordinary integrity and boundless generosity.’
Minnelli had posted a glowing Instagram tribute to Parton in January when the Queen of Country celebrated what turned out to be her final birthday.
‘You are a national treasure and everyone celebrates you. Thank you for giving from your heart each day,’ wrote the Arthur star.
‘Dolly, please know people around the world adore you. God loves you so much…and so do I! Always, Liza,’ the Cabaret actress continued.
Minnelli reminisced about the ‘spicy girl gossip’ they exchanged over ‘great meals’ they shared after watching each other perform onstage; Parton pictured circa 1975
‘When I was in trouble? Dolly knew it,’ wrote Minnelli, 80, presumably in reference to her own struggles with addiction and a turbulent love life that included four divorces
Minnelli originated the title song of the 1977 Martin Scorsese film New York, New York, a number that has emerged as an unofficial anthem for the city.
Parton, meanwhile, became so identified with the country music capital of Nashville that steps are being taken to rename its airport after her.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority issued a press release saying Parton’s representatives were open to the move, via Page Six.
‘Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state. From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her,’ Lee said in his statement.
‘At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.’
