Dolly Parton’s “Little Dolly” Story Is One of the Sweetest Memories Fans Are Hearing Now
There’s something incredibly special about meeting the person who inspired your name.
For Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, that moment became a treasured family memory when her daughter, Dolly Grace, met the legendary Dolly Parton.
Schlapman and her husband, Stephen, adopted their daughter in 2017 and chose the name Dolly Grace in honor of the country music icon. When Parton learned about the little girl who carried her name, she knew she wanted to meet her.
And she made sure it happened.
Dolly Wanted to Meet “Her” Dolly
Parton invited Little Big Town onto her tour bus so she could finally meet the little girl who had been named after her.
Schlapman later shared a photo of the unforgettable encounter during an appearance on TODAY.
According to Schlapman, Parton was especially sweet toward her namesake and would repeatedly ask about her:
“How’s my Dolly? How’s my Dolly?”
It was the kind of moment a mother would never forget.
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Then Came The Cutest Part
As little Dolly Grace grew older, she developed her own adorable way of referring to her famous namesake.
Karen Fairchild revealed that the little girl would proudly call Parton “My Parton.”
Schlapman explained that her daughter had connected the name “Dolly” with the word “my,” creating the sweetest little nickname imaginable.
So instead of simply saying Dolly Parton, she essentially had her own Dolly.
A Memory That Means Even More Now
With Parton’s passing, stories like this carry an even deeper emotional weight.
Dolly Parton spent decades making people feel seen, loved, and encouraged—and this tiny story captures another side of her legacy: the personal moments she created for families who admired her.
For Kimberly Schlapman, it wasn’t simply a famous country star meeting a little girl.
It was Dolly meeting the little girl who was named after her.
And that is a memory this family will carry forever.
Some names are chosen. Some names become a lifelong connection.
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About The Author
John Simmon
John Simmon is a music journalist and entertainment writer with a passion for country music culture, artist stories, and the moments that happen off the stage. He has been following the country music scene for over a decade, covering everything from chart-breaking newcomers to the legends who shaped the genre. John believes the best stories in country music aren't always found in the music, they're found in the lives behind it.
