Most knew Porter Wagner for the outrageous rhinestone suits and the pompadour hairdo he sported throughout the duration of a career that lasted more 50 years. Country fans also knew Wagner as a fixture at the Grand Ole Opry, as well as for a string of hit songs in the 1960s, and as the man who helped to start Dolly Parton’s illustrious career.

Like many country legends of yore, Wagner had faded into the background over the years but had recently celebrated a comeback winning over scores of new fans. In May, Wagner signed with ANTI-records, an eclectic Los Angeles label best known for alternative rock performers like Nick Cave, Tom Waits, and Neko Case. Wagoner's first album in many years, "Wagonmaster", was released in June and netted him some of the best reviews of his career. During this past summer, Wagner served as the opening act for the rock duo White Stripes at a sold-out show at New York's Madison Square Garden.

"The young people I met backstage, some of them were 20 years old. They wanted to get my autograph and tell me they really liked me," Porter said with tears in his eyes the day after the New York show. "If only they knew how that made me feel - like a new breath of fresh air."

Wagoner was born in West Plains, Mo., and became known as "The Thin Man From West Plains" because of his lanky frame. He recalled that he spent hours as a child pretending to be an Opry performer, using a tree stump as a stage.

Wagner started out on radio, then became a regular on "Ozark Jubilee," one of the first televised nationwide country music shows. Wagner’s career in the music business really took off when he signed with RCA Records in 1955, He subsequently joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1957, "the greatest place in the world to have a career in country music," he said in a 1997 interview. In addition to his appearances at the Opry, Wagner had his own syndicated TV show, "The Porter Wagoner Show," for 21 years, beginning in 1960. This show was one of the first syndicated shows to be based in Nashville and set the standards for others to follow.

"Some shows are mechanical, but ours was not polished and slick," he said in 1982.

In 1967, Wagner partnered with an up and coming 21 year old singer named Dolly Parton. Parton took Wagner’s advice and switched from writing story telling songs to love songs such as "I Will Always Love You", a song which was to become a pop standard. The pair worked together until 1974 when they decided to go their separate ways.

Among Wagner’s hits, many of which he wrote or co-wrote, were "Carroll County Accident", "Misery Loves Company", "Company's Comin'", "A Satisfied Mind", "Skid Row Joe", and "Green Green Grass of Home." In 2002, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

I am a long time Dolly Parton fan. It was very sad to hear that Porter Wagoner had passed away. I had read that Dolly had recently visited him, and told him that they would sing together again. It wasn't to be. Rest in Peace Porter.

Peace Dog.

betsyb3, i didn't know there was another porter/dolly fan here! so sad porter's gone, like another end of an era huh... his was the first record album i got from santa with my new record player, when i was 9 yrs old... and dolly has been a fave of mine since i was a kid, watching her with my gma and gpa... i used to watch porter's tv show everytime it came on... he left a great legacy and a lot of warm memories for me... thank you porter, may you rest in peace...

when I saw the headlines the first person I thought of was Dolly.

"NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dolly Parton says she feels like a part of her died along with her old duet partner, Porter Wagoner.



But Parton says she was grateful that she was able to spend a few final hours with the man who launched her career before he succumbed to cancer Sunday.

"Part of him will always live through me and my music as he was my first big break," she said Monday.

The 80-year-old Grand Ole Opry star and showman died of lung cancer Sunday in a Nashville hospice, after being transferred there Friday from a hospital.

Parton said she was there with his family, sang for him and prayed with him.

"It felt good that I had the opportunity to say goodbye properly," Parton said.

Wagoner had a streak of hits in the 1960s and '70s, and enjoyed a comeback in recent months with a new album.

To many longtime fans, though, he may be best remembered for his sparkly rhinestone suits and for singing with Parton on his TV show from 1967 to 1974.

Marty Stuart, who produced Wagoner's last album, the critically acclaimed "Wagonmaster," said he grew up watching his TV show and they later became close friends.

Stuart was one of the musicians who backed Wagoner this summer when he opened for the influential rock group the White Stripes at Madison Square Garden, a show that underscored the aging singer's newfound popularity with a fresh wave of young fans.

"He was a masterful showman who understood the art of the final act," Stuart said. "He left the world on top."

Stuart said Wagoner had been invited to light the nation's Christmas tree at the Pageant of Peace celebration in Washington, D.C., next month.

"One of the last things he said to me was, 'You're gonna have to call the president and tell him I won't be able to sing him any Christmas songs this year. Maybe next year,'" Stuart recalled.

Country music singer Patty Loveless said Wagoner was a mentor to her in her early years and became like family to her.

"He encouraged me and helped me to fulfill my dreams and was truly an inspiration," Loveless said. "I love him and I miss him already."

The Grand Ole Opry announced Monday that funeral arrangements would be open to the public. Visitation will be Wednesday at a local funeral home, with a funeral on Thursday at the Grand Ole Opry House."

I remember watching The Porter Wagoner Show when I was young.
Dolly wrote "I Will Always Love You" for him.
He was cool.

I remember watching Dolly in the 70's but not sure if it was his show or hers? I just remember butterflies and a swing she would sing in.

For those who are interested, the recieving of family and friends will be tomorrow in Woodlawn...just outside of Nashville.

Funeral service will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 am (CST) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

Both are open to the public.

They replayed the recent tribute to Porter Wagoner on the Grand Old Opry this weekend, I think they were honoring 50yrs in showbiz for Porter. Dolly sang "I Will Always Love You" to Porter, one last time for us to see!! Very cool and very sad

Hey UFO