Ricky Skaggs recalls praying with Dolly Parton in her backyard chapel before her comeback album

Ricky Skaggs recounted a private moment with Dolly Parton at her Nashville residence, where she had reconstructed a tiny Baptist-style church from her East Tennessee childhood. Inside the rebuilt chapel, the pair prayed for God’s guidance over the recording of White Limozeen, the 1989 album that marked Parton's return to traditional country music. The record climbed to No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, produced two chart-topping singles, and earned gold status from the RIAA.

Skaggs said the prayer session revealed Parton's deep faith and compassionate nature, qualities he believes shaped her extensive charitable work. He noted that the experience still influences his own band's pre-show rituals, which now include a prayer. Following Parton's passing on Aug. 25, Skaggs praised her as a person of “pure golden heart” whose philanthropy will endure.