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Ralph Griggs, MTH

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I Saw Dolly at a Nashville Wedding

Posted on August 28, 2026August 28, 2026 by Ralph Griggs

Looks like everybody has a Dolly story. I do too.

Years ago I officiated a wedding at Wightman Chapel at Scarritt-Bennett.

Unknown to me, the groom was a nephew of Dolly Parton.

I didn’t make the discover until the start of the ceremony.

The groom and I walked out into the chapel and waited for the rest of the wedding party to enter. As I stood there, I looked out and saw a lady. I said to myself, “That looks like Dolly Parton. That is Dolly Parton!

Before the wedding, I was in the back talking to another lady. Somehow we got to talking about kale recipes and a favorite of mine that I found online that was a creation of Tim McGraw.

That lady? I had not idea at the time I was talking to Dolly’s sister Stella!

What can I say? Sometimes I’m a little slow.

But at least I can honestly say I’ve officiated a wedding where Dolly Parton was a guest—and discussed kale with her sister.

That’s not something that happens at every wedding.

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