Country Legend Porter Wagoner Dies

Porter Wagoner

Condolences to family, friends and fans of Country music legend PORTER WAGONER, who died SUNDAY after a battle with lung cancer at 80. WAGONER, the rhinestone-clad GRAND OLE OPRY star and singing partner of DOLLY PARTON in 1967-1974, passed away at about 8:25p CT in a NASHVILLE hospice. He signed with RCA in 1955, joined the OPRY in 1957, and was inducted into the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME in 2002. His syndicated TV show aired for 21 years starting in 1960. 

"The GRAND OLE OPRY family is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our dear friend, PORTER WAGONER," said OPRY VP/GM PETE FISHER. "His passion for the OPRY and all of country music was truly immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time."

WAGONER had been in the midst of a comeback that included plaudits from critics and serving as opening act for the WHITE STRIPES at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. He released the critically-acclaimed CD "WAGONMASTER," produced by MARTY STUART, in JUNE.

Over a 40-year career, WAGONER had 81 Country music chart hits, 19 of them duets with DOLLY PARTON who he mentored and joined his TV show in 1967. Some of WAGONER's hits that he either wrote or co-wrote included "Carroll County Accident," "A Satisfied Mind," "Company's Comin'," "Skid Row Joe," "Misery Loves Company" and "Green Green Grass of Home."

Services Set; Open To The Public

Details have been announced for visitation hours and funeral for country music great PORTER WAGONER. The visitation and funeral will be open to the public. Visitation will take place WED., OCTOBER 31st from 2p-8p (CT) at WOODLAWN FUNERAL HOME, 660 Thompson Lane, NASHVILLE, 37204. The funeral will be held on THURSDAY, NOV. 1st at 11a (CT) at the GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE on Opryland Drive. The interment will follow the funeral at WOODLAWN CEMETERY.

Memorial donations can be made to ALIVE HOSPICE and THE OPRY TRUST FUND. 

Dolly Speaks

PORTER's long-time duet partner DOLLY PARTON released the following statement today: “I went over on SUNDAY afternoon and spent his last few hours with PORTER and his family, so I was able to say goodbye. I sang for him and prayed with him. It felt good that I had the opportunity to say goodbye properly. His family is very grateful to everyone for all their help.”

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