Shania Twain is opening up about what Dolly Parton meant to her, and the words she chose say everything. In a recent interview, Twain called Parton“the ultimate example of being true to oneself in every way,”crediting the late country legend with teaching her to live unapologetically and courageously. Parton died August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with an undisclosed cancer, and Twain says the loss is still weighing on her heart.
But Twain isn’t just looking back. She’s staying busy in a way that feels like the best possible tribute. She recently reimagined her classic“You’re Still the One”with DJ and producer Zedd for Candy Crush’s new Music Season, and her seventh studio album, Little Miss Twain, arrived in July. That record features collaborations with country icon Tanya Tucker, Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, and The War and Treaty, a lineup that shows just how wide Twain’s creative circle reaches these days.
Twain says working with younger artists like Zedd keeps her inspired and gives her hope for the future of music. It’s a full-circle moment when you think about it: Dolly spent decades lifting up the next generation, and now Shania is doing the same. The legacy keeps rolling forward, one collaboration at a time.
What’s your favorite Dolly Parton memory, and what’s the best lesson a mentor ever taught you? Tell us in the comments.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
