I was Photo Editor of the Watauga Democrat newspaper in Boone for almost eight years, 1976 to 1984. I covered Doc two or three times at concerts. I also had the sad assignment to cover Merle's tractor rollover accident. That same summer there were two other fatal tractor accidents. I enjoyed the pleasure of sitting on Doc's front porch on Wildcat Road outside of Boone and hearing him play for himself. I also covered the first Merlefest in Wilkesboro. Doc and I spoke a few times and then I moved from Boone to Newton and later, to Tennessee. About 12 years or so later, I had moved home to Kingsport, Tennessee, and I had taken my wife to a specialist Dentist in Knoxville. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel restaurant for Lunch on the way home and while we were sitting there Doc and his driver / escort came in for lunch. They were on their way back from Nashville, where Doc had received an award. I told Gigi that's Doc Watson. I'll have to go say hello as we leave. On the way out to pay I stopped by his table, greeted the driver, who saw me approach and I said something like, "Hello Doc. I saw you come in and I wanted to say hello before I left." I was going to continue to remind him who I was, but before I said more, he turned his head toward me and he said, "Wellllll... I can't remember your name right now, but your that photographer feller from the Wawdogga (Local pronunciation for Watauga) Democrat aren't you?" You could have knocked me over w/ a feather when he recognized and recalled my voice after some 12 years. I've met a lot of celebrities in my lengthy career as a news photographer. All were enjoyable to meet, but Doc was probably the most "earthy" and gentle of them all.

Dolly is such a professional! She has such a strong voice, to see her sing support to Doc without over powering him made this the best duo I’ve seen in years.

I am in my 70's. When in my teens l was a fan of the Buffalo Springfield. They included Doc's name in a long list of thank yous on the back of their second album. Listening and learning from Doc's recordings opened up a world of musical influences to me. I taught myself every song on Doc's Live at Town Hall. I was at volunteer stage crew member at Merlefest in 2021. Doc stopped and smiled at me when he passed by me backstage and heard me picking on Windy and Warm. His escort brought me to him and introduced me. I couldn't say a word. I always have wished l could have met him again and told him how good and important his influence has been for me.

Doc Watson and Dolly Parton singing together--a dream come true

I’m a 70 year old guy and have loved these two since I was in my teens. I wish I could have been there to see this. This is Heaven.

I love how Dolly turns round to watch each person take their break, she really cares about this music.

Dolly’s harmony is just gorgeous. Beautiful song by Doc.

Did I love this? Guess! Tom Paxton

THANKS to whoever captured this gem.

Not to take anything away from the other musicians, but that opening with just Doc on guitar alone and Dollie's added vocal is really something extremely special!!!

Dolly is a very sweet, kind and loving person. She is true professional to work with and a great inspiration to female musicians getting started in the business..

Imagine if Doc and Dolly had cut an album backed by these guys who are the very best of the best……. My oh my! Jerry Douglas plays so tastefully beautifully on songs like this.

This cuts to the heart. It’s like visiting with two old friends.

There've been many great female voices, but none so sensitive and sweet as Dolly Parton's. Doc Watson a great guitar player and good voice in his own right too. Thanks for sharing this "gem" as one comment here so well put it.

Amazing how instinctively Dolly knows how to harmonize. I've heard harmonies that didn't do it (for me) and some (such as Perry Como and Glen Campbell) who can drop into a gentle harmony, and there are many (including myself) who have never learned to harmonize. Her's is unique and makes this version of the song so special. Would be even better if it weren't so upbeat.

Doc and Dolly together are about as good as music gets. Rest well and happy birthday in heaven, Doc. I can only imagine the music you and Merle are making up there now.

Now that's how you harmonise...subtle and understated. Brilliant

It doesn't get any better than this.

Dolly always so authentic and real. Just like doc What a match in music. Thank you.

Easter week I’m gonna be busy practicing all week for Good Friday and Easter, what a way to start the day Doc Watson, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Jerry Douglas, and everybody else.

WOW! Laughing and clapping alone in my office! lol People are gonna think I'm nuts. Dolly and Doc made a tremendous team. She threw that harmony together in an instant and it was amazing.

Room full of talent right there!!! Doc and Dolly obviously, now look around, Chris Thile, Sean Watkins, Jerry Douglas, and more!

OMG- can now die and feel like I've had a full life by watching/listening to Doc Watson and Dolly Parton sing together!!!

A beautiful duet. An exceptional recording of two talented musicians.

This whole thing is worth watching. The first bit where it’s just Doc and Dolly working through the tune is pure divinity.

When he hears Dolly do that harmony part at 5:34 he’s blown away and that sweet smile he gives ❤

"Priceless" for sure! I can hardly see the keyboard thru the tears.

Amazing. Hands down the best version of that great song. So nice to get a glimpse of tbese two incredible artists working together with such grace and warmth.

I remember Dolly's MF performance with the "big band." As good as that was, this little intimate session is what makes Merlefest unique and special. Here's to seeing you all in 2021.

Two absolute national treasures. Timeless.

As great as the songs are, I really love hearing them talk. Dolly, to Doc "You pray for me!" Doc, to Dolly "You took away my nervousness, completely.... I should have know'd better."

Thank you Thank You Thank You for sharing this PRICELESS TREASURE of MUSICAL MAGIC by two of my Favorite Musicians of All-Time! Dolly and Doc! So Blessed to see and hear this!

Thanks for this. I was at the '01 Merlefest, and I'll never forget Dolly calling Chris Thile a "spiky-headed sparrow" when he sat in during her set. Cracked me up!

Dolly is just unbelievable

Dolly's harmonies are brilliant, and she is still so modest. Doc is just Doc. What is wrong with 31 people who gave thumbs down?

My two favorite Stars! I remember Dolly Parton on TV in 1966 when I was a kid.

I believe anyone with a clue accepts Doc's authenticity. This is a great testament and document of Dolly's.

One of the reasons I love this kind of music is the fact that the people who play it are so down to earth. Some, like in this video, also happen to be ridiculously talented

I was there at Merlefest that year. What a magical night it was when this crew played with Dolly. Merlefest isn’t the same now without Doc!

Magic. Two country legends working together and having a wonderful time.

This are real MUSICIANS, they all play with Blood!!! Awesome to hear them!!!

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Two legends one beautiful tune thanks for uploading 👍👍👍👍

All I can say is what a beautiful Chorus!

I got to see Doc in concert once. Been listening to him all my life. I'm now 77.

one of my favorite songs with two of my favorite musicians, thank you🙏

Thank you for sharing this !!

Simply priceless.

Love the song! Love the guitar! Love the voices! Thanks so much!

Doc would play the Down Home (Johnson City, TN) the Saturday before Christmas. A True National Treasure!

Perfection! Their voices are such a beautiful compliment to each other.

2 originals of a most amazing kind. Such a lovely combo, have never seen before, together.

This pne moved me to tears. Cant imagine how they could improve on that sweet set...

Oh man...god love them both...so beautiful.

A special treat to see this on the internet. I never made it to Merlefest. I saw Doc and Merle years ago. RIP. Thank you to all musicians. Thanks Dolly.

simply put just lovely

You know I’m telling my age, but I remember Dolly singing with Porter, on the old Porter Waggoner Show, who would have thought way back then, she would still be going strong today..and to see her with Doc just made my day, as I’m sitting here at the hospital with my brother while he’s getting cancer treatments. Doc Watson is one I can watch and listen to all day, hoping some of his finess on the fretboard will rub off on me... beautiful song, beautifully performed...

Thank you so much for sharing this. I miss Doc so much it makes me cry just to talk about it. Although there are so many wonderful musicians his kind of music and whose music he played, premier this wonderful country gentleman is my favorite musician of all. I can and have listened to recordings by Doc Watson and family and friends nonstop for 24 hours and longer. I miss Merle, too. In the latter half of the 1980s two morning news casts caused me to cry so hard I had to pull over to the side of the road while I did so. One was the destruction of the shuttle Challenger and the other was the death of Merle Watson. The recording Doc and Dolly first working on this song and then presenting it is such a fitting tribute to Merle.

I was a stage manager at Merlefest for 17 years. I missed one year because I was in Hawaii for another event, and it was 2001! Such a bummer. I would have enjoyed their duet and every Merlefest is an experience that shouldn't be missed. 🕊

I saw a video of him replacing the storm windows on the roof of his house, climbing a ladder. A man who coped with his disability better than most make of their abilities.

Absolutely talent at s finest doc and dolly just rehearsing for the big hug and there talented musicians wow 👏👍

The first thing that hit me was... And a joyous noise came from the heavens. How could anything be better than that.

thanks for sharing... absolutely the best version ever... a southern gentleman.. and a fine southern lady... love those harmonies

A whole lotta really talented people on that stage.

The best! Thanks for sharing#

I'm profoundly AMAZED. Wow...

Wow this is da bomb. Thanks.

what an awsome bit of video ..pure class no ego stuff here just respect ..rest easy doc ....

Wow does dolly just lights up the room!!! And gorgeous

Thank You

This is wealth. Thank you.

"Young-n:) Love Dolly.. Miss Doc.. Both Legends..

Dolly I love you lady caring to have Doc join you. Your what I care to hear. May the lord bless you Dolly for all the love you give!

I saw Doc open up for Dolly at the Paramount in Oakland Ca., he played solo. When Dolly started her set you could smell her perfume in the balcony, I swear it seemed like they put it in the AC system. Great show though!

The first three minutes just ripped my heart out... No, Doc, you didn't need amplifying.

Gawd you have a range young un.

When Doc started to play i got tears , beUtiful

Star studded cast, wow, thanks !

Une émotion pour un instant de chagrin et bonheur d'entendre ces amis de cœur, merci.

Nothing short of magical

Very fine music.

Just beautiful..

Merci, thank

Good Lord, that's so much talent!

One could not ask for anything more.

This might just be the best version of this song.........

Beautiful music

amazing

Beautiful

Lovely lovely lovely

Great Music!

This is just beutiful..

Beautiful. Two legends being honest

I'm aware that country was supposed to have been created in Bristol but man. Doc Watson crooner voice and guitar playing with dolly was just pure gold amazing sound.

Doc and Dolly what a fine combo with beauty and sanctity within its make up

Legends!

This is a great tape... get it on disc and back it up :)..

This great brings tears to my eyes

Damn, do I miss Doc!

Harmonies are gorgeous.