LUKAS NELSON & LAINEY WILSON DELIVER A HEARTFELT “YOU CAN’T MAKE OLD FRIENDS” TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON

Some songs remind us that the people who touch our lives never truly leave our hearts. And when Lukas Nelson and Lainey Wilson joined their voices for “You Can’t Make Old Friends” in honor of Dolly Parton, they brought a beautiful message of friendship, love, and memories to a night celebrating one of country music’s most beloved icons.

The performance was part of CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, a special dedicated to celebrating Dolly’s extraordinary musical legacy. With Lukas’s soulful delivery and Lainey’s unmistakable country voice, the two artists gave a meaningful song a new moment in the spotlight.

It was the kind of tribute that reminds us why some songs stay with us long after the music stops.

 A SONG ABOUT FRIENDSHIP THAT MEANS SO MUCH

“You Can’t Make Old Friends” was originally recorded by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers for Kenny’s 2013 album of the same name. The song celebrates the irreplaceable value of longtime friendships and the memories that grow deeper with every passing year.

Written by Ryan Hanna King, Don Schlitz, and Caitlyn Smith, the song earned a Grammy nomination in 2014 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Its message makes it a particularly fitting choice for a celebration of Dolly, whose career has been shaped not only by unforgettable music but also by enduring relationships with fellow artists.

LUKAS NELSON: HONORING A LEGEND WHO INSPIRED HIM

As the son of Willie Nelson and Annie D’Angelo, Lukas Nelson grew up surrounded by country music and some of its most influential artists. His father, Willie, has shared a longstanding friendship and musical connection with Dolly, recording songs with her over the years.

But Lukas’s admiration for Dolly goes beyond family connections.

In a 2025 interview with TIME, Lukas described himself as a “disciple of Dolly Parton,” expressing the deep respect he has for her artistry and influence.

Ahead of the tribute, he also spoke about the honor of celebrating someone whose work has touched so many lives and whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

That admiration gave his participation an especially personal dimension.

 LAINEY WILSON BRINGS HER OWN COUNTRY SOUL

Joining Lukas was Lainey Wilson, one of country music’s distinctive modern voices. Known for her expressive vocals and strong connection to traditional country sounds, Lainey brought her own character to a song originally made famous as a duet between Dolly and Kenny Rogers.

Rather than simply revisiting the original recording, Lukas and Lainey offered another interpretation of its central message: the value of the people who stand beside us through life’s changes.

Their pairing connected different generations of country music while keeping the heart of the song intact.

 WHY “YOU CAN’T MAKE OLD FRIENDS” STILL TOUCHES HEARTS

The song’s message is simple but powerful. New friendships can be wonderful, but the history shared with someone who has been part of your life for years cannot simply be recreated.

That feeling resonates especially strongly when the song is performed in honor of an artist whose music has accompanied listeners through decades of memories.

For Dolly Parton’s fans, the tribute was an opportunity to celebrate the songs, friendships, and musical partnerships that have helped shape her remarkable career.

Lukas Nelson and Lainey Wilson chose a song that says what so many people feel but sometimes struggle to put into words: some bonds are simply irreplaceable.

WATCH LUKAS NELSON AND LAINEY WILSON PERFORM “YOU CAN’T MAKE OLD FRIENDS” IN THE VIDEO BELOW.