Meeting My Idol Dolly Parton | Dayton News

Dayton News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 26, 2026 · 1m

Kelli Belles, a country artist who grew up idolizing Dolly Parton, shares the unforgettable moment she got to collaborate on “Son of Jolene,” a song Parton herself wanted to be part of. Belles describes Parton as a warm, radiant force — kind, funny, and deeply human — recalling shared laughter and even coordinating a leg cross during an interview. Parton’s life advice, “Follow your God gut,” became Belles’ guiding light in her music career. Now facing the profound loss of her idol, Belles hasn’t listened to their duet yet, fearing the emotional weight — but she’s ready to perform it soon…