Country music icon Dolly Parton funded a "special" Merseyside gig just days before she died. The star, a huge name in the entertainment industry since she burst onto the scene in the late 1960s, died aged 80, just a year after the death of her husband.
Dolly is best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene. The American singer touched millions of people with her music, including many here in Merseyside. Just days before her death Dolly had funded a gig at The Mess, Fort Perch Rock in Wallasey.
Venue Owner Calls Event an Honour
Dane Brookes, owner of the historic 200-year-old venue told the ECHO what an honour it was to host the "special" event. He said: "A friend of mine has been a musician playing at The Fort for three years. He plays the harp guitar and goes to Nashville where he knows Dolly's cousin, Richie Owens.
"They were coming to the UK for Smoky Mountains - a celebration of stories and history of Dolly's family, funded by Dolly. It was all to do with their family heritage and the very last date they performed was at The Mess. They did the show on Tuesday and she passed away this Tuesday. It was probably the last thing she was ever involved in and it was at The Mess, that's such an honour."
Tribute Posted on Facebook
Sharing a tribute to the star, Dane wrote on The Mess Facebook page: "Such sad news yesterday with the passing of the one and only Dolly Parton, a true legend whose music, generosity and spirit touched people all over the world.
"There's a particularly poignant connection to the Wirral that feels worth sharing today.
"Just one week to the day before Dolly passed away, we were here at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton celebrating Appalachian music, Dolly's roots and her remarkable family story with her cousin, the acclaimed musician, Richie Owens.
"The evening was made possible with funding from Dolly, helping to bring a little piece of the Smoky Mountains all the way to the banks of the Mersey.
"After the show, Richie and his band left the Fort and headed straight back to Nashville.
"Looking back now, it feels incredibly special - and very emotional - to think that one of the last live music events Dolly supported, and possibly the very last, may have taken place right here on the Wirral, at Fort Perch Rock."
He also shared a video of the performance, where singer Richie talks about why they were there, the importance of community and their roots.
Legacy on the Wirral
Dane added: "It seems all the more meaningful today. From the mountains of Tennessee to New Brighton, Dolly never forgot where she came from and she spent a lifetime sharing those roots, her music and her generosity with others.
"Rest in peace, Dolly. Thank you for the music, the stories and the memories."
