Emily Maynard had one of the most unforgettable seasons of “The Bachelorette,” and it was made even more memorable when her idol, Dolly Parton, made a surprise appearance.
Following Parton’s death at age 80 on Tuesday, August 25, Maynard shared the special moment she got to meet the country music icon while on a date with one of her contestants at Dollywood. The memory clearly stayed with Maynard, who shared the throwback clip on Instagram alongside a touching tribute to the country superstar.
Dolly Parton Once Surprised Emily Maynard on Her Season of ‘The Bachelorette’
Who could forget when country legend Dolly Parton made a surprise appearance during Emily Maynard’s season of “The Bachelorette?” After news of her sudden passing, the Bachelor Nation Instagram and Maynard shared a throwback clip of the moment she met her idol.
As “Bachelorette” fans can recall, Maynard had a one-on-one date with Arie Luyendyk Jr. (who would place runner-up), as the pair sat on stage in an empty auditorium in Dollywood. However, Maynard gets a surprise of a lifetime. With her back to the stage, the curtains draw open, revealing Parton sitting with her guitar in hand, ready to serenade the reality star.
Not only was it a shock to see her Idol, but Maynard was also given some alone time with the country icon. Parton opened up to the reality star about love and marriage while listening as Maynard shared what she was looking for in a partner and the importance of finding someone who would accept her daughter.
In the finale, Maynard got engaged to contestant Jef Holm, but they called off their engagement a few months later.
Maynard Shares Heartfelt Post About Meeting Her Idol, Dolly Parton
In her Instagram post, the former “Bachelorette” star shared photos of her and Parton from that day, more current snapshots of her and her husband, Tyler Johnson, and their kids visiting Dollywood, and proving that she’s a fan of Parton, she shared how she jokingly imposed her face on one of Parton’s books.
“Dolly had a way of making everyone feel seen, even a single mom looking for love at Dollywood. 🤍,” her caption began. “Getting to meet her all those years ago is a memory I’ll treasure forever, but my love for Dolly started long before that day. I’ve always admired her music, of course, but even more than that, the way she lived her life: with faith, kindness, humor, and the courage to speak her mind and be unapologetically herself.”
“There will never be another Dolly. I feel so lucky to have shared even a small moment in her orbit. From here to the moon and back. 🌙🤍,” she wrote.
The first-ever “The Bachelor” Trista Sutter commented on her post, sharing, “I instantly thought of you when i heard the news. 💔 She was such a special light in this world.”
In fact, Brad Womack, who starred as “The Bachelor” season 15 (his second go-around) and who proposed to Maynard during his finale, also commented on her post. The pair would end up going their separate ways after his season ended.
“I don’t want to cross any boundaries here; I’m here with upmost respect. I always knew how fond of her you were. In fact, the way you carry yourself is uncannily similar to how she was. I instantly thought of you when I heard the news. I’m so happy you were able to meet her….I’m sure you made just as big of an impression on her as she did on you. 💙”
