Way back in 1976 for a now defunct magazine, I was assigned Dolly Parton’s new album and concert appearance north of LA in Ventura, California.
Her RCA record label put out a huge spread of veggies and snacks. Male and female journalists were all taking pics for a media photographer and Ms. Dolly was complying. She was dressed toe to collar in cowgirl chic.
For some reason, she came up and said, “Don’t you want a photo with me?”
I said, “No, you’ve been mauled enough by all the others wanting pictures.”
She laughed. “Well, you want to get something to eat?”
We had a pleasant, joking, conversation for 15-20 minutes. Just casual talk. She liked the oysters and told me the usual oyster joke.
And then I went to an arena and watched Dolly’s concert, and I stood up applauding as she was given a standing ovation.
I had a back-stage pass, but a friend who was driving needed to leave and get to work in the morning. So I left.
I only had space in the magazine for a short concert review. But the memory of meeting Dolly Parton, a celebrity who was “just plain folks” and a good person, never left me.
And every time I eat an oyster, I think of Dolly’s slightly naughty joke.
Hank Nuwer is an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
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