This was not the episode we planned.

Meghan Linsey arrived expecting a fun conversation. Just as she got here, we learned that Dolly Parton had passed away. We were stunned, heartbroken, and honestly didn’t know what to do. Canceling felt understandable—but we both believed Dolly would tell us to go on. So we sat down, pressed record, and talked it out.

What followed is a raw, tearful, and deeply loving tribute to the woman who embodied country music, generosity, strength, humor, and hope. Meghan shares how singing Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” helped her first discover her own voice, why Dolly has always been the great connector, and how her music became part of the soundtrack of our lives.

We also talk candidly about Meghan’s journey from Steel Magnolia to becoming a solo artist: the painful end of a relationship, loving someone through addiction, choosing herself, surviving Nashville’s cruelty, and rebuilding a career when quitting sometimes felt easier. Meghan opens up about “Humble Again,” rediscovering her authentic voice, and why she continues chasing the dream even when she feels lost.

This conversation is filled with shock, grief, tears, laughter, and above all, love for Dolly. We didn’t have the right words. We still don’t. But we believe Dolly would have said, “Now you girls go on and have a podcast.”

So that’s what we did. We will always love you, Dolly. Thank you...for everything.

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