AUDIO: Jamie Johnson Talks Special Connection with Dolly Parton

Their collaboration resulted in “Broken Angels,” a 2025 single recorded by The Grascals and Dolly Parton

The world was saddened this week by the passing of Dolly Parton. Many people feel a personal connection with her – either as an inspiration through her music, watching her career for many years, or seeing their kids learn to read with books sent to them from her Imagination Library.

A special local connection was with Jamie “Grascal” Johnson. Originally from Milan, Jamie has worked in the music industry in Nashville for many years. One of his early opportunities was to perform with the Grascals with Dolly Parton. Jamie even got to perform “Viva Las Vegas” with her while he dressed as Elvis. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Their debut album, The Grascals won IBMA's Emerging Artist of the Year and Album of the Year and included a duet with Dolly Parton on “Viva Las Vegas.”

HEAR CHELSIE'S INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE JOHNSON IN THE AUDIO PLAYER BELOW

They remained close friends over the years and in 2025, Jamie reached out to Dolly to help him finish writing a deeply personal song about awareness and hope for those in recovery from addiction. He sent her a partial draft and she agreed right away to work on finishing the song with Jamie. She shared a connection with the subject because of the people she had known in her life who struggled with addiction.

Their collaboration resulted in “Broken Angels,” a 2025 single recorded by The Grascals and Dolly Parton.

“Broken Angels” was released on August 29, 2025, by Billy Blue Records as the lead single from The Grascals’ current album. The track reflects their hope that someone in recovery “will fly again.” The music video was released in early 2026, filmed with Dolly joining The Grascals in the studio. It’s described as an “emotional story of healing” and features both live performance and narrative elements.

According to official announcements from Billy Blue Records and Wortman Works, the single rose quickly to the #1 spot on the charts for bluegrass, Americana, gospel, and country audiences.

Dolly Parton’s legacy continues in her song writing and singing and she is likely to continue receiving awards for her music and her talent for connecting with people.

The 37th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, set to take place on October 22, has nominated Broken Angels as Song of the Year, Collaborative Recording of the Year and Best Music Video of the Year.

The song is also nominated for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year at the 57th Annual Dove Awards which will take place on October 6, 2026.