Dolly Parton Made a Girl Feel Special | Milwaukee News

In 1990, a young girl named Darlene got a Make-A-Wish to meet Dolly Parton at a Milwaukee concert—and what happened next was pure magic. Before the show, Parton took time to chat with Darlene, asking about school and her interests, treating her like the most important person in the room. During “Jolene,” she stopped right in front of Darlene’s seat and changed the lyrics to sing “Darlene” every time—making it personal, unforgettable, and deeply moving. Even Kenny Rogers came over to meet her, but Dolly was the star of the moment. Years later, when news of Parton’s passing broke, Judy Schwerm, who helped make the wish, remembered that tender encounter as proof of Parton’s true character: kind, generous, and towering in spirit—not just in height, but in heart. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ecb368e4bb1844e8