DOLLY PARTON PAYS TRIBUTE TO PORTER WAGONER AND DON WARDEN

Sevier County superstar Dolly Parton took some personal time off from her busy press schedule Saturday to celebrate the life and music of former television partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner. In her own Celebrity Theater, the singer spent an emotional and poignant afternoon singing the songs and sharing the stories of the time she and Porter spent together and the impact the legend had on all who surrounded him. Parton also took the opportunity to surprise manager, and original Wagon Master, Don Warden with an induction into the Missouri based Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. The Dollywood Theater was transformed with familiar sets from the long-running country music show and Dolly’s band, The Backwoods Boys, dressed in the signature costumes from the era. Dolly, herself, wore a Porter-inspired outfit to set the mood for the afternoon.

“This won’t be a sad time,” she assured the crowd. “This will be a happy time!” The private event was attended by Wagoner’s children and grand children and many of the Grand Ole Opry stars who had performed with him during his long and successful career. “The Porter Wagoner Show” debuted on syndicated television in 1960 and the flashy country star brought new talent Dolly Parton aboard in 1967. Parton credits his support and the popularity of their duets together, as the foundation of her own success.
During the emotional memorial, Wagon Master steel guitar player Don Warden was surprised by Parton with a tribute of his own. Dressed in the original costume he wore on the famed show, Warden was gifted with a sculpture from Parton who described him as her “Angel on Earth” and told of his induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. When Dolly left the Porter Wagoner Show, Warden went with her as manager and has remained with her as an adviser through the years. This very special tribute marked the first time the two had performed together in 34 years.

Eyes glistening with tears, Parton closed the memorial with the original version of her 1974 musical farewell to their partnership, “I Will Always Love You”. “Not a dry eye in the house,” says Sevierville media artist Jacob Timmons, who designed and manages Parton’s web empire. “The whole first row of the theater was Porter’s family, the second row was legends from the Grand Ole Opry. It was a powerful and moving expression of love”. Porter Wagoner died on October 28, 2007, in Nashville Tennessee. His career spanned seven decades.
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Dolly Parton delights fansaround the world in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Parade

As thunder storms and funnel clouds ripped through East Tennessee yesterday, Pigeon Forge had their own special angel keeping skies sunny and dry! This area's favorite daughter, Dolly Parton, welcomed Spring with her annual parade down the city's main street, and even the weather seemed to be under her spell.From the Dollywood Foundation offices to Wears Valley Road, eager fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Backwoods Barbie and, as usual, she didn't disappoint! Signature smile (and wig!) glowing, looking full of life and bursting with happiness, Dolly waved and chatted with the crowd from atop her new custom built float.Sharing time with her home town fans before jetting off to a year-long World Tour, Dolly has had a busy Spring already; appearing as a mentor on Fox Television's popular hit, American Idol and promoting her latest album. Not likely a few rain drops would dampen her enthusiasm or that of the crowds cheering her on.The yearly tradition celebrates the official Grand Opening weekend of the star's Dollywood Theme Park and has become an eagerly awaited kick-off for summer in the Smokey Mountains.

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S.D. Professionals, LLC Makes TV Debut On American Idol

S. D. Professionals, LLC owner Jacob Timmons isn’t appearing as a contestant on American Idol this week but, with the help of super star Dolly Parton, his work will be seen on the popular talent showcase just the same. Timmons, owner of the Sevierville based media design company, was contacted by representatives from American Idol to create the visual animation for Parton’s appearance on episodes airing this week. “It isn’t every day you see American Idol on caller ID!” Timmons laughed.On Tuesday night, Sevier county’s hometown celebrity is sharing her wisdom and years of performance experience with the Idol finalists celebrating her music. Parton will be performing her new hit “Jesus and Gravity” live during the elimination phase of the show Wednesday evening. No coincidence that the Fox network staff looked to Timmons for artistic visual interpretation when planning Dolly’s Idol debut. S. D. Professionals, LLC designed and maintains Parton’s new web site, http://www.dollyparton.com/ as well as her Imagination Library web site and book order system, DollysImaginationLibrary.com. The artist also recently produced the video content for Parton’s new 2008 Backwoods Barbie World Tour which kicks off this month. Timmons’ work opens the famous show tonight and he looks forward to seeing “S. D. Professionals, LLC” roll by on the credits.“We are thrilled to be part of the evening”, says Timmons, “and feel Dolly will have a little bit of Sevierville there with her”! Local residents can enjoy the same affordable services as the successful Fox network by contacting S. D. Professionals, LLC at http://www.sdwebpros.com/ or by calling 865-774-9023.