Ashley Monroe photo by Kristin Barlowe, courtesy of Sony BMG Nashville
June 25, 2007 — Ashley Monroe has idolized Dolly Parton most of her life, so she was understandably nervous Wednesday as she prepared to sing "But You Know That I Love You" in tribute to Dolly at the Academy of Country Music's ceremony honoring the singer with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award.
At first, Ashley told The Tennessean, she thought Dolly might be a no-show because her seat near Ashley's remained empty long after the ceremony started. But when she went backstage to prepare to sing, there was Dolly. "I was so nervous," Ashley said.
"She sent me a letter a couple of years ago and said how much she liked my music and how I reminded her of herself," Ashley said. "I asked her if she remembered the letter, and she did. She was so gracious and soft-spoken backstage, but the moment she stepped in front of the microphone, that big personality shone through."
Shania Twain and Alison Krauss are among those who have been moved to tears when meeting Dolly. "I was really struggling to maintain my composure," Ashley said. "There was definitely a tear or two and a lot of pinching myself going on."
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