by Associated Press
Published: Mon, October 29, 2007 - 4:54 am CST
Last Updated: Mon, October 29, 2007 - 9:05 am CST
Country music legend Porter Wagoner, whohelped launch the career of superstar Dolly Parton, has died at a
Nashville hospice.
He'd been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Grand Ole Opry VP Pete Fisher said the Opry family "is deeply
saddened" by the passing of "our dear friend."
His illness came after a comeback that saw him recording again
and gaining new fans even as he reached his 80s.
In May, he celebrated his 50th year in the Opry and signed his
first record contract in years. His new CD "Wagonmaster" earned
some of his best reviews. Over the summer he opened for the rock
duo White Stripes at a sold-out concert at New York's Madison
Square Garden where he was touched by the reaction of the young
audience.
His many hits included "Green Green Grass of Home," but he is
perhaps best known for hiring 21-year-old Dolly Parton in 1967 to
be his duet partner.
Porter Wagoner was 80.
Country Singer Vern Gosdin Dies
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