On Monday 19 January 2026, Gene Watson celebrated fellow country music legend, Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday.
‘Today is country music legend, Dolly Parton’s, 80th birthday!
A longtime Grand Ole Opry member, Dolly was inducted at age 23 (on Saturday 4 January 1969), and has continued to support the Opry and so many great charities.
Her most recent is with a special song and video she recorded with Lainey Wilson , Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus and Queen Latifah.
Proceeds from this recording and music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
You can get that song, and help the children at this web link.
Be sure to wish Dolly a Happy 80th on her Facebook page‘
Source
Gene Watson on Facebook
The original version of ‘Light of A Clear Blue Morning’ (written by Dolly Parton) was recorded by Dolly Parton, who included it on ‘New Harvest…First Gathering’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977); the track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, and No.1 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles Chart in 1977.
Dolly Parton’s ‘Light of A Clear Blue Morning’ was also recorded by Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017), who included it on ‘Unconditional Love’ (Liberty Records, 1991).
Gene Watson / Dolly Parton Connection
Gene Watson recorded Dolly Parton’s ‘Most of All Why’ and included the track on ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977); the original version of this track was recorded by Dolly Parton, who included it on ‘The Seeker & We Used To’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975).
