Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM] - Yesterday, we learned that the legendary Dolly Parton had passed away at age 80. Dolly Parton was not only a country music legend but also a global icon. Immediately, I thought about how Dolly has ties to Lake Charles.

Hoda Davaine, Getty Images
Hoda Davaine, Getty Images

Did you know that? She does. Back in 1957, when Dolly was 11 years old, she wrote a song called Puppy Love. Fast forward two years later, in 1959, when she was just 13 years old, she hopped on a bus with her grandmother (I mistakenly said mother in the video below) and took a 30-hour bus ride to Lake Charles to record the song.

107 JAMZ logo
Get our free mobile app

Where was she going in Lake Charles, you ask? She headed to Goldband Records, which was owned by Eddie Shuler, to record her song, Puppy Love. Goldband Records was located on Church Street in North Lake Charles.

That's right, she recorded her first song ever right here in Lake Charles. How cool is that? Here I am sitting on my front porch with the full story.

Have you ever heard the song? You can listen to Dolly's song Puppy Love here on her website.

Dolly Parton's Biggest Hits

  • I Will Always Love You
  • Jolene
  • 9 to 5
  • Islands In The Stream w/ Kenny Rogers
  • When I Get Where I'm Going w/ Brad Paisley
  • Rockin' Chair w/ Ricky Van Shelton
  • Here You Come Again
  • Why Did You Come In Here Looking Like That
Photo by Mike Soileau TSM)
Photo by Mike Soileau TSM)

Funny we mention the song Why Did You Come In Here Looking Like That. Do you know that song also has ties to Southwest Louisiana? Cajun and Country music legend and the late Jo-EL Sonnier played on that song.

Sonnier's wife texted me and told me that Jo-EL played on that song, and after the song became a huge hit, Jo-EL was given a gold record from Dolly for playing on the song. How neat is that?

Read More: Did you Know Jo-EL Sonnier Shared His Birthday With A Louisiana Music Legend?

We all loved Dolly Parton, and we will miss her so much.

R.I.P.: 40 Country Singers and Songwriters Who Died Too Soon

These country singers had so much more to give. See 40 country singers who died much too soon: Keith Whitley, Mindy McCready, Troy Gentry and more.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes