Dolly Parton & Merle Haggard Join Forces For “Mama Tried”

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In the late 1980s, Merle Haggard appeared on The Dolly Parton Show and was pleasantly surprised when he found out that he’s won more “CMA awards than any other man in the history of country music.”

Parton also revealed that Haggard’s music has been taken into space and the “Workin’ Man Blues” singer actually did know that fact!

“That’s right. It went on Apollo 16,” he told the audience.

After some small talk, they got down to the reason Haggard was there – to perform a medley of his biggest hits.

“I know Bonnie Owens has sung some of the best harmony on your records, but if you don’t mind, Bonnie, I’m gonna steal your part tonight. I ain’t gonna do it as good as you, but it’s my show and you stay right there,” she joked.

They started off the medley with a toe-tappin’ rendition of “Workin’ Man Blues”. You can’t help but nod your head to the beat and clap along when you hear the chorus!

After seamlessly transitioning into Haggard’s 1966 hit “Swinging Doors,” they followed it up with what Parton called “one of [his] prettiest songs,” “Today I Started Loving You Again.”

They finished with an upbeat chorus of “Mama Tried” and ‘Okie From Muskogee.” Parton and Haggard had the entire audience singing along!

This is one of those performances that make you wish we had more time with Haggard. A true legend and pioneer in the country music world.

It’s great to see how these two friends interact with each other. Watch their incredible performance below.