Dolly Parton
Backwoods Barbie Tour
November 19th, 2008
Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, Iowa
Sometimes the concerts you never planned on seeing become the ones you’re most grateful for. In 2008, I saw Dolly Parton on her Backwoods Barbie Tour in Des Moines, Iowa and, believe it or not, the whole thing happened because of Nine Inch Nails.
As part of their Lights In the Sky Over North America tour, Nine Inch Nails were playing Cedar Rapids the following night, and I was heading back to my hometown for that show. Seeing Dolly in Des Moines the night before gave me the perfect excuse to arrive home late, which meant less time visiting family before heading off to see Nine Inch Nails the next day.
So basically, I went to see Dolly Parton to avoid having to spend extra time with my family, and thankfully I did.What started as a wonderfully ridiculous excuse turned into one of those concerts I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced. I got to see Dolly Parton, an absolute icon, a phenomenal performer, and someone whose presence onstage was every bit as special as you’d imagine. Nearly 20 years later, I’m very glad I went and incredibly grateful that I can say I got to see Dolly live.
Sometimes life has a funny way of putting you exactly where you’re supposed to be. Thank you for the music and the memories, Dolly.
