Kimberly Schlapman Recalls the Sweet Moment Dolly Parton Met the Daughter Named After Her
Kimberly Schlapman will always treasure one incredibly special memory involving Dolly Parton and her daughter.
The Little Big Town singer recently shared the touching story of how Dolly Parton met her daughter, Dolly Grace, who was named after the country music legend.
The emotional memory has become even more meaningful following Parton’s death on August 25, 2026.
Kimberly Schlapman Named Her Daughter After Dolly Parton
Kimberly Schlapman and her husband, Stephen, adopted their daughter in 2017.
They named her Dolly Grace, a decision inspired by Kimberly’s lifelong admiration for Dolly Parton.
For Kimberly, Dolly was much more than a country music superstar. She had been an inspiration throughout her life.
When Dolly Parton learned that Kimberly had named her daughter after her, she wanted to meet the little girl herself.
Dolly Parton Invited Baby Dolly Onto Her Tour Bus
During a recent appearance with Little Big Town on TODAY, Schlapman remembered the special meeting.
Dolly invited Kimberly and her family onto her tour bus so she could meet baby Dolly.
Schlapman recalled how warmly Dolly treated her daughter.
“She invited us up on her bus to meet the other Dolly,” Kimberly said.
She also remembered that Dolly Parton would always ask about the little girl.
“She always had the sweetest things to say about my Dolly. She’d always say, ‘How’s my Dolly? How’s my Dolly?’”
For Kimberly, the moment was unforgettable.
It was a meeting between a country music icon and a little girl who had been given her name as a tribute to her.
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Dolly Grace Had a Sweet Nickname for Dolly Parton
The story became even more adorable as Dolly Grace grew older.
Karen Fairchild, Kimberly’s Little Big Town bandmate, revealed that the little girl had a special nickname for her famous namesake.
She would call Dolly Parton “My Parton.”
According to Schlapman, her daughter connected the name “Dolly” with the word “my,” which led to the sweet nickname.
It was a small but unforgettable moment that showed just how special the connection had become.
Dolly Parton’s Kindness Made the Memory Even More Special
For Kimberly, the story is about much more than meeting a famous singer.
It reflects the kindness Dolly Parton showed to the people around her.
Dolly had no biological children of her own, but she maintained close relationships with many nieces, nephews and children who looked up to her.
She also spent decades supporting children through her Imagination Library, which provides books to young children.
Her ability to make people feel special became one of the defining parts of her legacy.
Little Big Town Plans to Honor Dolly
Kimberly Schlapman and the other members of Little Big Town have continued to remember Dolly Parton following her death.
The group has also said they plan to be part of Dollyfest, a two-day celebration announced for 2027 honoring Dolly’s life, career and legacy.
The festival is expected to take place in Nashville and London.
Karen Fairchild made it clear that Little Big Town wants to be there, joking that the group was already inviting itself.
For Kimberly, appearing at a celebration of Dolly’s life would be another meaningful way to honor someone who had a special place in her heart.
A Memory Kimberly Schlapman Will Never Forget
Dolly Parton meeting little Dolly Grace may have happened years ago, but the memory has taken on new meaning after the country icon’s death.
Kimberly Schlapman will always have the photographs, stories and memories of that special meeting.
And for her daughter, there will always be a unique connection to one of country music’s greatest legends.
Dolly Parton may be gone, but stories like this continue to show why she meant so much to the people who knew her.
