Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill teamed up for one epic performance, in honor of Dolly Parton‘s 80th birthday. For the fourth annual Opry Goes Dolly event, Wilson and Gill closed out the night by singing one of Parton’s most iconic hits.

Other artists who performed in honor of Parton include Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Mark Wills, plus Sierra Hull, Elizabeth Nichols, and songwriter Trannie Anderson.

Wilson also used her time on stage to thank Parton for her influence on Wilson’s own career.

“I’m floored,” Wilson says. “I’ve gotten to know Dolly a little bit, and I got to spend some time with her in the studio. She is as great as all of y’all think she is. She is just the real deal. What you see is what you get. And she’s got a heart of gold. I’m honored to be here celebrating her tonight.”

What Lainey Wilson Says About Dolly Parton

Wilson joins Parton, along with Reba McEntire, Parton’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus, and Queen Latifah, for a new version of “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning.” For Wilson, there likely isn’t anyone as influential on her own career as Parton.

“I think all of you probably know how important Dolly is to me and my journey,” Wilson shares at a recent media event. “And how important she is to so many people. She has definitely been somebody that I’ve looked to when I think about, can I do this? Can I not? Should I do this? Should I not? Should I say this? Should I not? She somehow always does it with grace and everything. She’s been a huge pillar for me.”

In spite of her busy schedule, Wilson immediately said yes when Parton asked if she would sing on “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning” with her.

“That will never get old to me,” Wilson says. “That will never get old to me. And when I found out who else was going to be a part of the song, it’s huge for her to tip her hat to me like that, by allowing me to be on this incredible song that has stood the test of time, that does mean so much. I got to spend time with her in the studio, and just having her coach me up. The banter that me and her have been able to have with each other, I feel like I’ve known her from another lifetime.

“Mama got to spend some time with her,” she adds. “It was just a really special day. And I do not take it for granted that I even got to spend a few hours with that woman. Everything that she says, I put it in my pocket.”

Photo Credit: Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo