(www.gactv.com)
At the Grand Ole Opry House yesterday, some of the many people Porter Wagoner inspired during his lifetime tried to find a way to say goodbye to the man who was always saying hello, The Tennessean reports.
The service included music by Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs and the Whites, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless and the Oak Ridge Boys' Duane Allen, who performed with former members of Porter's band, the Wagonmasters.
"Goodbye Porter" were the last words Dolly Parton said to her longtime duet partner. Dolly did not sing "I Will Always Love You," the song she wrote years ago for Porter. "I was afraid I couldn't get through it," she said before leading the Grand Ole Opry cast in singing Hank Williams' "I Saw the Light."
Dial-Global reports that a very emotional Dolly sat on the front row during the service, wiping tears from her eyes, especially when Vince sang "Go Rest High on That Mountain," a song he noted was the last one Porter heard before he passed away on Sunday night.
Many in country music attended the service, including Opry members Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Travis Tritt, Steve Wariner, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jan Howard, Jeannie Seely and new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ralph Emery.
The night before, with Marty Stuart's Sparkle & Twang exhibit as background, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Jim Lauderdale, Rodney Crowell, Mike Farris and other artists paid tribute to Porter at the kickoff to the Americana Music Conference. Porter was originally slated to appear at the tribute.
"We've been so inspired by him for so long," said Emmylou, who sang three of Porter's songs with Buddy before inviting Jim up to sing "Satisfied Mind."
Two important Jeans in Porter's life — daughter Debra Jean and duet partner Pretty Miss Norma Jean — were on hand, as well as other notables, including former Attorney General Janet Reno.
"My daddy had every intention of being here tonight," said Debra Jean, who accepted an American Original award on behalf of her father.
