Dolly Parton Invited A Young Fan With Down Syndrome For “Islands in the Stream” Duet

Let’s go back to the time when the Queen of Country Music made one of her superfans feel like a star.

In 2015, Dolly Parton granted the wishes of Gage Blackwell – her 12-year-old huge fan from Lynnville, Tennessee, with Down syndrome. The two met up at a restaurant in Dollywood theme park, where they had the opportunity to bond, talk about country music, and of course, sing together some of the greatest Dolly Parton songs.

Gage’s mother, Lynnae Blackwell, explained that the wonderful encounter was made possible after someone at Gage’s school saw a video of the young fan – where he expressed how he would love to meet the country legend one day – and encouraged Lynnae to get it to touch with Dolly’s business associate, Ted Miller.

Much to their surprise, they were already exchanging emails a few days later. After providing pediatrician documentation proving that Gage has Down syndrome, they were told that a 10-minute meet-and-greet with Parton would be possible.

Dolly Parton Singing With Gage Is The Most Heartwarming Thing You’ll See

While at the meeting, Dolly Parton and Gage Blackwell kicked things off by belting the iconic duet, “Islands in the Stream.” Dolly even noted Gage’s similarity to her original duet partner, Kenny Rogers.

The two also collaborated with one of Dolly’s biggest hits, “9 to 5.” After a round of applause, the country star lauded her new duet partner. “We make quite a team,” she told Gage.

Lynnae has expressed how this opportunity meant so much to Gage and their entire family. And when asked if he had a good time, Gage replied, “I sure did,” adding that Dolly is among his favorite singers.

He even took to his own social media account to share the excitement of meeting his country idol. “This was the best! I love Dolly, and I want to marry her,” Gage wrote.

Watch their wonderful encounter below.