ACM Awards: Gabby Barrett Gets Marriage Advice From Dolly Parton
After more than 50 years of practice, Parton knows a trick or two.
As she gears up to co-host tonight’s (March 7) ACM Awards with Dolly Parton and Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett is enjoying the opportunity of a lifetime — but it’s not just the big time gig. It’s the chance to learn how a country legend lives.
Chatting with Audacy’s Josh, Rachael, and Grunwald on “Radio Row” at the 2022 ACM Awards, Barrett said Parton have her some sage advice on marriage, pulling on more than 50 years of experience.
First up, Barrett explained how she’s coped with her explosive country career, noting she’d have to be crazy to turn down co-hosting such a huge event. “You cannot pass up something like this. Who am I to pass that up? I can’t!” said the young artist.
“It’s honestly hard to believe everything that’s gone on the past couple of years,” Barrett went on. “It’s crazy to believe about hosting because I never thought I’d get into hosting. I thought I’d stay in my lane with, you know, I know I’m good in the singing areas so stay there. But I tried out the hosting thing and it’s pretty cool.”
The coolest part may be getting to know one of her heroes, though, as Barrett got to meet Parton over Zoom while prepping for tonight’s show. In their free time, Barrett asked a few questions she’d been “dying to ask” of the legend — including “advice on marriage and how she’s been married for so long.”
And what was the advice Parton gave her? Basically, stay gone.
“I think she said she stayed away for 50 years,” Barrett said with a chuckle. “She was always traveling so they stayed in the honeymoon phase for a long time.”
Unfortunately that won’t work for Barrett — her husband, Cade Foehner, plays lead guitar in her band. But she’ll have more time to learn from the country queen in Las Vegas.
“She’s an incredible person,” Barrett added. “I’m hoping to get more advice when I meet her.”
The 57th annual ACM Awards take place tonight (March 7) at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. For the first time in history, the show will live streamed exclusively on Prime Video, starting at 8 pm ET.
