Lainey Wilson has seen a meteoric rise in country music over the past few years, and her recent success was punctuated when she took home the Female Artist of the Year trophy at the ACM Awards in May. It was at the awards show that she met one of her biggest heroes, Dolly Parton, for the first time. Wilson described the moment — which took place when Parton announced her as the winner of the award — during a recent interview on Access.
"It was like one of the biggest moments of my life for two different reasons," she told hosts Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover. "She was just everything I imagined and more. They say don't meet your heroes, but she's just got a heart of gold. I think if we were all a little more like her the world would be a much better place."
The two artists have since forged a relationship, and they are collaborating on a rendition of The Judds' "Mama, He's Crazy" for the upcoming Judds tribute album.
While chatting chatting about her recent accomplishments and duet with Parton on the talk show, hosts Lopez and Hoover shared a little surprise for Wilson. They pulled up a video message from the country legend, herself, to Wilson.
"Hey Lainey, guess who? It's your singing partner Dolly!" Parton said in the video clip. "You know we did a song 'Mama He's Crazy' that's going to be coming out soon together, but I loved working with you on the ACMs and I'm so proud of you. I love that you love me because I love you right back."
Wilson was overwhelmed by the surprise message from Parton, and she even wiped away a few tears during the moment, joking that she needs her makeup artist to come out on set. Still teary-eyed, Wilson described what Parton's message means to her.
"That is insane, first of all, that she even knows my name, and just to have her support," she said. "When the people that you've looked up to for your entire life, when they start showing the support, it makes me feel like 'Dang, I can really do this.'"
Wilson and Parton's rendition of "Mama He's Crazy" will be included on the upcoming album, A Tribute to The Judds, out on October 27.
