It was only eight years ago, but it feels like a lifetime.
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It was the night country legend Dolly Parton took the stage to sing her heart-warming ballad “I Will Always Love You” to friend and fellow Opry member Porter Wagoner on the occasion of his 50th Opry Anniversary and his 80th birthday. And whether it was how Parton’s emotion sparked every lyric or the way Parton delicately touched the Country Music Hall of Fame’s cheek, the performance of her iconic 1974 hit was one for the ages.
Just five months later, Wagoner died of lung cancer.
Parton was at his side at the time of his death.
Yet, Parton lives on.
Just this week, Parton announced the signing of a development deal with NBC, whereas the television network will work to develop a slate of two hour TV movies based on her songs, stories and inspiring life.
“I am so excited to be involved with my friend Bob Greenblatt, who produced the Broadway version of ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ with me, and my longtime friend and former agent Sam Haskell,” said Parton in a press release. ”We want to create projects for NBC that are both fun and inspirational with a family audience in mind.”