Randy Travis Recalls Dolly Parton's Hilarious CMA Awards Flirtation: "If You Liked Little Blondes with Big... Ideas"

Randy Travis is remembering Dolly Parton and how her signature sense of humor "lit up a room." The legendary "9 to 5" musician died on Tuesday, August 25, following a "brief battle with cancer." The same day, the "I Told You So" singer, 67, honored Parton by recalling one of his "favorite memories" with her and by sharing a lengthy tribute honoring her legacy of music, kindness, and humor.

The memory from the 1988 CMA Awards saw Parton surprising Travis, who was a presenter at the ceremony, by sitting on his lap and joking that had she not been married to longtime husband Carl Dean, she would have given the country crooner "a run for your money."

The Hilarious Moment

"This guy is single, and I just want you to know that if I was 20 years younger when I was single and you liked little blondes with big hair and big… ideas, I would be giving you a run for your money," Parton said while perched on Travis in a video of the moment, which the "Forever and Ever, Amen" singer posted Tuesday. Parton's "ideas" innuendo drew a raucous round of applause and laughter from the crowd, and she and Travis later reunited to present an award together at the 1989 CMAs.

"One of my favorite memories with @dollyparton ❤️," Travis wrote alongside the clip.

A Heartfelt Tribute

He also shared a lengthy written tribute to his friend and musical collaborator in the wake of her death on Tuesday. "From our hearts to the throne of glory, we release one of our greatest angels… our butterfly, Dolly," Travis began the tribute, a caption shared alongside several photos of the pair on Instagram. One photo also featured Travis's wife, Mary.

"I've been blessed to know many wonderful folks throughout my career in country music; but, none quite like you, Dolly," he wrote of the late musician. "You had a way of making everyone around you feel most important. Your kindness was genuine, your faith strong, your humor lit up a room, and that beautiful heart of yours was even bigger than the remarkable voice the world fell in love with."

Gratitude and Grace

Travis continued, "I'll always be grateful for the memories, the conversations, the laughs, and the goodness you showed me through the years—especially during the chapters of my life when your encouragement meant more than you probably ever knew."

"You gave country music some of its sweetest memories and most iconic songs, but you gave the world something greater…yourself. And, you gave it all! Now, it's your turn to dance with Carl," he continued, referring to Parton's husband of nearly six decades, who died in March 2025 at 82 years old.

A Final Farewell

"Thank you for showing all of us how to carry success with grace and how to use the gifts God gave us to bless others," Travis wrote of Parton. "Your mission to make people happy and lift them up while glorifying God is complete. You have planted so many trees under whose shade you will never sit… You have made this world a better place. There will never be another you, Dolly."

The singer concluded the message: "Rest peacefully, my sweet friend, until we meet again…and, next time, I'll be sneaking up on you! I will always love you… forever and ever, Amen."

A Shared Legacy

Parton and Travis shared a deep mutual respect and admiration. Their bond was evident not only in their public interactions but also in the quiet moments of encouragement and kindness they showed each other. Travis's tribute captures the essence of what made Parton so beloved, not just her talent, but her warmth, her generosity, and her ability to make everyone feel seen.

Parton died at 80 years old on August 25, four days after she was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday, August 21. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in an Instagram video.

As the world continues to mourn her loss, Travis's words serve as a reminder of the profound impact Parton had on those who knew her personally. Her humor, her kindness, and her unwavering faith will be remembered by all who had the privilege of crossing her path.