Margo Remembers Her Friend Dolly Parton

Country music singer Margo O'Donnell has paid an emotional tribute to her friend Dolly Parton, describing the American superstar as "in a league of her own".

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt from her Castleblayney home, Margo discussed her a friendship with Dolly and her family for more than 20 years. Margo first met Dolly through the Tennessee legend's uncle, Louis Owens.

"We were good together, we really were," Margo said. "I'm heartbroken about her, but I'm also happy that she hasn't been left lying ill because Dolly wouldn't like that. Dolly was always on the go."

Their friendship grew through Margo's regular trips to Nashville and Dollywood, where she often performed with members of the Parton family. Long before they met, Margo had recorded several of Dolly's songs, including Mama Say a Special Prayer, which became a point of connection between the two singers.

Reflecting on Dolly's place in country music, Margo said no one could match her influence.

"You would hear people in the Grand Ole Opry talking about all the greats, but then they would say, 'There's Dolly.' She was in a league of her own really, as a person as well."

Margo highlighted Dolly's lifelong commitment to children's literacy, recalling how the singer fulfilled a promise to her father, who could neither read nor write, by distributing free books to children around the world.

As she remembered her friend, Margo offered a final message.

"I want people out there to remember that she will always love them," she said. "I think God needed a new singer in the choir."