Stevie Nicks Remembers Her Special Time with Dolly Parton and Calls Their Collaboration a “Master Class”

Stevie Nicks has opened up about one of her most memorable musical experiences with Dolly Parton, recalling the week they spent together in Nashville while recording a duet. Following Parton’s death at the age of 80, the Fleetwood Mac singer shared an emotional tribute celebrating not only their musical collaboration but also the personal lessons she learned from the legendary country artist.

Nicks, 78, posted a photograph of herself with Parton on Instagram, looking back on the time they worked together on “What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done For You.” The song was included on Parton’s ambitious Rockstar album, a project that allowed the country legend to explore the world of rock music and collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry.

In her tribute, Nicks explained that she traveled to Nashville and spent an entire week with Parton while working on the song. Rather than describing the experience simply as another recording session, Nicks portrayed it as an unforgettable period in her life.

She referred to that week as one of the best weeks she had ever experienced and described her time with Parton as an educational opportunity. According to Nicks, being around Parton felt like attending a master class. She deliberately tried to absorb as much knowledge as possible in the short amount of time they had together.

Nicks said she approached the experience like a student. She wanted to pay close attention to Parton and learn from her approach to music, performance and life. For Nicks, Parton was not only an extraordinary artist but also someone who had an incredible ability to teach others.

The Fleetwood Mac singer also noted that learning from Parton felt natural because the country star was an excellent teacher. Nicks believed that Parton recognized her enthusiasm and willingness to learn, creating a relationship in which Nicks was eager to listen while Parton shared her experience.

Their collaboration was part of Parton’s Rockstar album, which represented a major creative departure from her traditional country work. The record combined newly written material with Parton’s interpretations of famous rock songs. It also featured a remarkable list of guest performers from different generations and musical backgrounds.

Among the artists involved were Sting, with whom Parton recorded a version of The Police’s classic “Every Breath You Take.” She also collaborated with Ann Wilson of Heart on “Magic Man” and worked with Blondie singer Debbie Harry on “Heart of Glass.” Parton additionally recorded her own interpretation of Prince’s legendary “Purple Rain,” among many other songs.

For Nicks, Parton’s decision to embrace rock music demonstrated her extraordinary determination and versatility. Nicks recalled that Parton had expressed confidence that she could successfully become a rock star, and Nicks was able to watch her prove that belief through her work.

Even during Nicks’ visit to Nashville, Parton was still looking for additional rock songs to record. Her enthusiasm suggested that she viewed Rockstar not as a one-time experiment but as an exciting opportunity to explore another side of her artistic identity.

After reflecting on their collaboration, Nicks included a handwritten poem in her Instagram tribute. The poem was dedicated directly to Parton and expressed the deep admiration and affection Nicks felt for her fellow musician.

In the poem, Nicks imagined Parton carrying her music with her into heaven and continuing to sing for everyone she encountered. She described Parton’s songs as a gift that would bring joy to others and acknowledged how deeply she would be missed.

Nicks ended the poem by expressing her love for Parton and recognizing that there could never be another artist quite like her. Her words captured the unique place Parton occupied not only in country music but also in the broader history of American popular culture.

Although Nicks and Parton came from different musical traditions, both women achieved enormous success beginning in the 1970s. They also became influential voices for generations of women through their songwriting and performances.

Nicks first worked professionally with Lindsey Buckingham, releasing the album Buckingham Nicks in 1973. The following year, she and Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, a move that would transform both their careers.

Nicks became an important member of the group during a particularly exciting period in Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon music community. Fleetwood Mac soon achieved major success, with songs such as “Rhiannon” and “Landslide” helping establish Nicks as one of rock music’s most recognizable voices. She also contributed substantially to the songwriting on the band’s hugely successful 1977 album Rumours.

Parton, meanwhile, was building her own career in Nashville. In 1974, she ended her professional partnership with country entertainer Porter Wagoner. That same year, she wrote two songs that would eventually become among the most famous works of her career: “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Despite working in different genres, Nicks and Parton shared an important artistic quality. Both women used songwriting to tell honest stories about relationships, independence, emotional struggles and the realities faced by women.

Their music connected with listeners because it offered perspectives that felt personal and authentic. They were able to transform individual experiences into songs that resonated with millions of people.

Parton’s influence extended far beyond music. Throughout her career, she became widely admired for her charitable work and commitment to helping others. One of her most significant initiatives was the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which has provided books to children and encouraged early literacy.

Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, through an Instagram video on August 25. The announcement came several months after Parton had canceled her planned 2025 residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, citing health-related difficulties.

Her representatives later revealed that Parton had been diagnosed with cancer and had experienced a brief battle with the disease before her death. She died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by