On June 7th, 2024, country music legend Dolly Parton surprised the entertainment world by firmly declining Meghan Markle's last-minute request to join her and fellow icon Will Smith on stage for the opening performance of the Annual CMA Fest in Nashville.
This highly anticipated kickoff event, hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Rachel Smith, was set to feature an int--ate conversation between Parton and Smith, followed by a special acoustic performance. Just hours before the show, word spread that Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, had reached out to Parton's team with a desperate plea to be included.
Parton, known for her graciousness and kindness, was completely blindsided by Meghan's request. A source close to the situation revealed, "She's a huge fan of Meghan and the work she's done, but this was Dolly's moment to shine with her dear friend Will, and she wasn't about to let anyone else steal the spotlight, not even a royal." Dolly politely but firmly rejected Markle's request, much to the disappointment of The Duchess and her legion of loyal supporters.
"Dolly loves Meghan dearly, but this was a special night for her and Will, and she didn't want any unwanted guests, even if they are royalty," the source added. As the opening ceremony commenced, the packed house at the Music City Center erupted in cheers as Parton and Smith took the stage. Their chemistry and camaraderie were immediately palpable as the two legends engaged in a captivating conversation, reminiscing about their decades-long friendship and the highs and lows of their illustrious careers.
"Dolly and Will have a bond that is truly special," said attendee Sarah Johnson. "You can tell they have a deep respect and admiration for each other, and it was such a treat to witness that up close and personal." Following the engaging discussion, Parton and Smith treated the audience to a stripped-down performance of some of their most beloved hits, including Parton's iconic "9 to 5" and Smith's chart-topping "Gettin' Jiggy wit It." The crowd sang and swayed along, basking in the energy and nostalgia of the moment.
"It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience," gushed attendee Emily Davis. "To see these two icons come together and share their stories and music was just magical. I'm so glad Dolly didn't let anyone else join them; it was perfect just the way it was." As the event drew to a close, Parton and Smith thanked the enthusiastic audience and promised to continue collaborating on future projects, much to the delight of their fans.
"Dolly and Will have always been such great friends and supporters of one another," said CMA Fest organizer Mike Dungan. "To have them kick off our festival in this int--ate, personal way was truly special, and we're grateful to Dolly for staying true to her vision and not letting anyone else crash the party."
While Meghan Markle's absence from the event was certainly noted, the focus remained squarely on Parton and Smith's reunion, solidifying their status as two of the most beloved and respected figures in the entertainment industry. As the curtain fell on the opening ceremony, country music fans left the Music City Center with full hearts, eager for the rest of the festivities to unfold, and hopeful that Parton and Smith's unbreakable bond would continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.
