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INTRODUCTION
The Harmony of Sisterhood: Dolly and Emmylou Reflect on the Trio
The story of the “Trio”—the legendary collaboration between Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt—is not just a milestone in music history; it is a profound testament to a lifelong friendship. In a poignant retrospective, Dolly and Emmylou look back on the origins of their bond and the unique magic that occurs when three of the most distinct voices in country and rock music merge into one.
A Serendipitous Beginning The foundation of the Trio was laid in 1973 at Liberty Hall in Houston, Texas. Emmylou Harris recalls meeting Linda Ronstadt for the first time and engaging in the quintessential icebreaker for female vocalists: “Who is your favorite singer?” In a moment of instant kismet, both women answered simultaneously: “Dolly.” This shared admiration for the “Smoky Mountain DNA” of Dolly Parton’s voice became the bridge that brought them together.
When the three finally sat down to sing, the connection was instantaneous. Dolly describes it as a “lucky day,” noting that the second they started harmonizing, they knew they had stumbled upon something extraordinary. It wasn’t just professional respect; it was a visceral, sonic alignment. At the time, they were signed to different record labels, managed by different teams, and bound by conflicting schedules. Yet, the pull of their combined harmony was so strong that they resolved to make a record together, no matter the logistical hurdles.
The Innocence of the Trio Projects Reflecting on the Trio Collection, Dolly and Emmylou express how the body of work has grown even more precious with time, especially now that Linda Ronstadt is no longer able to sing due to her health. They fondly recall the filming of the music video for “To Know Him Is To Love Him,” a memory that perfectly encapsulates their group dynamic.
While sitting on a couch for the shoot, the women were tasked with cutting out paper Valentines. Dolly admits she was simply “doing it for show” to satisfy the director’s cues. However, Linda, known for her intense focus and sincerity, took the task to heart. She wasn’t acting; she was genuinely engrossed in the craft. To this day, both Dolly and Emmylou still cherish the handmade Valentines Linda sent them. They describe those moments as “girly, feminine, and innocent”—a stark, sweet contrast to the high-pressure world of the music industry they occupied individually.
A Lasting Legacy The Trio’s music remains a masterclass in vocal arrangement, but for Dolly and Emmylou, the memories are rooted in the “freedom to grow” together. Their voices didn’t just blend; they supported one another. As the interview concludes with the soft strains of “Set Me Free,” there is a sense of bittersweet gratitude. Though their professional recording days as a trio may be in the past, the “paper dolls” and the harmonies remain—a lasting symbol of a time when three of the world’s greatest singers chose friendship over competition, creating a sound that would define an era.