Lainey Wilson & Lukas Nelson Sing Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers Duet
on Dec 13, 2023 • Updated Feb 21, 2024
Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers’ Final Duet Was “You Can’t Make Old Friends”
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers made a great team. Of course, “Islands in the Stream” is their most recognizable collaboration. But they also recorded several Christmas songs, including “With Bells On” and “I Believe In Santa Claus.”
Parton and Rogers released their final duet together in 2013, titled “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” The song earned a Grammy nomination Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
“You Can’t Make Old Friends” is one song that Parton says she can “hardly sing” after Rogers’ death in 2020.
Dolly Parton Lost Another Dear Friend Of Hers In 2022
Lainey Wilson and Lukas Nelson revived “You Can’t Make Old Friends” in honor of a special person…Leslie Jordan.
Jordan was an actor and country music artist with tons of friends in the industry. He sadly passed away on October 24, 2022 at the age of 67.
Parton was one of Jordan’s dearest friends. She expressed her heartbreak after he died:
“Well I am as hurt and shocked as if I have lost a family member. Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him. I know people always say ‘Oh, they will be missed’ but in this case that could not be more true. He will be missed by everyone who knew him personally and by everyone who was entertained by him. Rest in peace lil’ brother.”
Lainey Wilson & Lukas Nelson Sing “You Can’t Make Old Friends” In Tribute To Leslie Jordan
The Grand Ole Opry honored Jordan with a tribute show in February 2023, called Reportin’ For Duty: A Tribute To Leslie Jordan.
Wilson and Nelson performed “You Can’t Make Old Friends” during the tribute concert. Their voices blended together beautifully as they sang in Jordan’s honor.
One YouTube commenter perhaps put it best when they said Wilson and Nelson performed “with heartfelt sincerity.” You can see what they mean by watching them cover “You Can’t Make Old Friends” in the video below.
