Dolly Parton Shares Throwback Christmas Memory With Kenny Rogers From 40 Years Ago

Dolly Parton and the late Kenny Rogers are each country music powerhouses in their own right, but something magical happened when they came together. The pair is known to be one of country music’s most iconic duos. Their 1983 duet “Islands in the Stream” is one of the most famous country songs of the era.

Among their many collaborations, Dolly and Kenny released a joint Christmas album, Once Upon A Christmas. The collection of ten favorite holiday tunes debuted on October 24, 1984. Five years later, the album was certified platinum by the RIAA.

Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas To Remember 

Shortly after the album’s release, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers delivered a televised Christmas program, Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas To Remember. The special, directed by Bob Giraldi, featured live performances of each of the ten songs from Once Upon a Christmas. 

Dolly shared her excitement about working with Kenny in a 1984 issue of Cashbox. She said:

“This is the first Christmas special or album that I’ve ever done, so when Kenny called me with the idea, I jumped at it. Kenny and I love singing together; I think the blend of our voices creates a real electricity that comes across on record. He also has a real Santa Claus spirit. He makes working fun, and approaches things like I do, enjoying the people around him.”  

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers share a playful exchange during the 1984 Christmas special

In the spirit of the holidays, Dolly Parton shared a 40-year-old throwback video with her friend Kenny Rogers. In the clip from Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas To Remember, the blonde bombshell dons a festive red jumpsuit complete with white feather trim and a Santa hat. Her male counterpart is getting suited up for his role of Santa.

The pair exchange lighthearted dialogue before jumping into a performance of “Walkin’ In A Winter Wonderland.”

“If anybody in this world was ever born to play Santa, it was you, Kenny. You don’t even need a fake beard,” begins Dolly.

Kenny responds, “I thought you were gonna say Patty.”

Dolly laughs and answers, “Oh, judge not lest you be judged. I always say that.”

Kenny looks inquisitively at Dolly and questions, “You always say that?”

“Well, when I’m trying to get myself out of trouble,” Dolly replies coyly.

See the fun throwback clip of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers below!