Elton John and His Respect for Dolly

Elton John is a lifelong fan of country music and apparently has endless respect for one of its leading ladies, Dolly Parton. He performed with her at this year’s AMAs.

Recently in an interview (prior to the AMAs) he had the following to say about our American icon from Tennessee:

(When asked if he’d ever performed with Dolly before) “No. It’s a dream come true for me because there are so many legends in country music, but a lot of them are dead. Dolly is very much alive, and I’m a huge fan of hers. To be able to sing and perform with her and to be on the CMAs is exciting for me because as a musician, it’s a part of my music that I love. I love country music, but I’ve never actually participated in anything to do with country music. I did a CMT thing with Ryan Adams, and I really loved that. This is the first time I’ve really been exposed to that country music audience and, to be with Dolly Parton is such a buzz. I’m really excited.”

(When told that she might be the only person dressed more flamboyantly than him.) “Well, it’s going to be a battle. (laughs) It’s going to be so much fun. I get to meet those other people that I haven’t met before who are going to be on the show. I met Brad Paisley the other week, and it was great meeting him. I get to meet another section of people that I really don’t come across because we don’t move in the same circles. I know Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. I’ve done stuff with them. But the rest of them I really don’t know, so I’m so looking forward to coming to New York and meeting all these people.”

Joi