♪♪ -Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner.

[ Cheers and applause ] -♪ I believe we have the right combination ♪ -Tammy Wynette and George Jones.

-♪ With one tiny little stone ♪ ♪ Shining green ♪ -♪ Shining green ♪ -♪ Now at last it's found a home ♪ -Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.

-♪ Hey, Louisiana woman ♪ ♪ Mississippi man ♪ -♪ We get together every time we can ♪ ♪ The Mississippi River can't keep us apart ♪ -♪ There's too much love in this Mississippi heart ♪ -♪ Too much love in this Louisiana heart ♪ -The greatest voices in country music history blending in perfect harmony on your favorite songs.

[ "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" continues playing ] "Country's Legendary Duets."

[ Applause ] -Hi, I'm Tre Twitty, the grandson of Conway Twitty, one of country music's greatest singers.

-Amen.

And I am Tayla Lynn, the granddaughter of the one and only Loretta Lynn.

Together, we are Twitty and Lynn.

And welcome to the world famous stage of the Grand Ole Opry and "Country's Legendary Duets."

-We perform together because we love singing country duets, and our shows are a salute to our famous grandparents, Conway and Loretta, who we simply call Poppy and Memaw.

-But we aren't impersonators.

We're just ambassadors of the Twitty and Lynn names.

For us, it's all about family, the fans families, and our own.

We just want to make our families proud by telling our grandparents story through our story.

When we perform, we want our audience to experience living country music history.

-Now, our family includes you and everyone watching on public television.

Together, we're going to experience country music history through the performances of the greatest duet partners of all time.

And they all sang together on this very spot on the Opry stage.

-Duets have always been popular in country music from family acts like the Carter Family and The Louvin Brothers to modern day superstars, such as Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

The blending of personalities and voices has touched the hearts of millions of fans over the decades.

-But the late 1960s and 1970s are the golden age of country duets.

-During this time, a trio of duet acts truly defined the art form and set the standards for all country duet partners that followed.

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette and George Jones, and Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner.

These artists not only sing together, but they also recorded multiple albums and toured together, all while maintaining their solo careers as well.

-And the awards and accolades poured in, forever linking their names with some of the greatest songs in country music.

-Dolly Parton got her first big break when country star Porter Wagoner invited her to join his syndicated TV show in 1967.

Duets became Porter's way of introducing Dolly to his audience.

But it was also during this time that Dolly began writing some of her biggest hits that set the stage for her superstar solo career.

So let's go back in time to hear one of her best love songs, which topped the country music charts in 1974 during her days with Porter Wagoner.

-Here's Dolly in "Jolene."

-♪ Jolene ♪ -Right now, let's welcome my gal that had a #1 song a while back called "Jolene," Miss Dolly Parton.

[ Applause ] ♪♪ ♪ Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene ♪ ♪ I'm begging of you please don't take my man ♪ ♪ Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene ♪ ♪ Please don't take him just because you can ♪ ♪ Your beauty is beyond compare ♪ ♪ With flaming locks of auburn hair ♪ ♪ With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Your smile is like a breath of spring ♪ ♪ Your voice is soft like summer rain ♪ ♪ And I cannot compete with you, Jolene ♪ ♪ He talks about you in his sleep ♪ ♪ There's nothing I can do to keep ♪ ♪ From crying when he calls your name, Jolene ♪ ♪ And I can easily understand ♪ ♪ How you could easily take my man ♪ ♪ But you don't know what he means to me, Jolene ♪ ♪ Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene ♪ ♪ I'm begging of you please don't take my man ♪ ♪ Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene ♪ ♪ Please don't take him just because you can ♪ ♪ You could have your choice of men ♪ ♪ But I could never love again ♪ ♪ He's the only one for me, Jolene ♪ ♪ I had to have this talk with you ♪ ♪ My happiness depends on you ♪ ♪ And whatever you decide to do, Jolene ♪ ♪ Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene ♪ ♪ I'm begging of you please don't take my man ♪ ♪ Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene ♪ ♪ Please don't take him even though you can ♪ ♪ Jolene ♪ ♪ Jolene ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -We just heard ♪ Jolene ♪ ♪ Please don't talk my man ♪ -Ooh!

Such a good song.

-I love it.

Dolly Parton was just little girl when Porter Wagoner started charting songs on the radio in the mid 1950s.

He topped the charts in 1955 with "Satisfied Mind" and continued recording hits until 1983.

Also known as Mr. Grand Ole Opry, Wagoner would chart an amazing 81 singles during this era.

-Porter made quite an impression on stage with his blond pompadour and flashy sequence suits designed by Nudie and later Manuel.

-Lookin' good.

-The music, his onstage presence, and the success of the syndicated "Porter Wagoner show" from 1960 to 1981.

That was a long roll, baby.

And making my household name in a country music icon.

-Dolly Parton was just 21 years old when she joined Porter's Show.

Singing a few of her own songs, doing live commercials, and performing duets with Porter, which became wildly popular.

-Dolly joined Porter's record label, RCA Victor, and in 1967, they released their first top ten single "The Last Thing on My Mind."

By 1969, she also followed Porter and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

-Fans loved them together.

So obviously, Porter and Dolly found the right combination.

They would chart over 20 singles through the mid 1970s, including this one.

-Out here is Miss Dolly.

Did a great job on "Jolene," honey.

You're gonna help me sing one.

-We'd like to do one of our duets that Porter wrote called "The Right Combination."

♪♪ -♪ I believe we have the right combination ♪ ♪ Our love and happiness both seem so strong ♪ ♪ I believe we have a firm foundation ♪ ♪ That our love can build and last forever on ♪ -♪ There'll be times when you may doubt my reasons ♪ ♪ But I know your love will always make a way ♪ -♪ And I know that there'll be times ♪ ♪ When we'll have heartaches ♪ ♪ But it won't worry us cause love is just that way ♪ -♪ I believe we have the right combination ♪ ♪ Our love and happiness both seem so strong ♪ ♪ I believe we have a firm foundation ♪ ♪ That our love can build and last forever on ♪ ♪♪ [ Applause ] ♪♪ -♪ Some folks spend a lifetime searching for the right one ♪ ♪ And they'll grasp at anyone of love's sensations ♪ -♪ But you and I will search no more for we have found it ♪ -Yes, we have honey, -♪ You and I ♪ -We locate it.

-♪ Have found the right conglomeration ♪ ♪♪ -♪ I believe we have the right combination ♪ ♪ Our love and happiness both seem so strong ♪ ♪ I believe we have a firm foundation ♪ ♪ That our love can build and last forever on ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you.

I hope you enjoyed that.

-♪ I believe we have the right combination ♪ -Oh, my God.

[ Both chuckle ] Dolly Parton is certainly one of the most awarded artists in country music history, but initially, all her awards were for her work with her singing partner, Porter Wagoner.

-Dolly and Porter dominated the award shows in the late '60s and early '70s, picking up three CMA awards for vocal group of the year, and vocal duo of the year.

What was the secret to their success?

They had very different ranges, but surprisingly, their voices complimented each other.

-Equally important was their personalities as entertainers.

Porter was bumbling and silly, while Dolly was bubbly and innocent.

Together, they were warm and disarming as fans welcome them into their homes every week on the "Porter Wagoner TV Show."

-Here is Dolly and Porter again at the height of their popularity with one of their biggest hits.

-Thank you.

-You are pretty some sweet country woman.

So, sweet country woman, you want to help me do a duet?

-Might as well.

I'm already here.

-Here's a song that's been mighty good to Dolly and I and thank all of you that bought it and requested it.

It's called "If Teardrops Were Pennies."

[ Applause ] ♪♪ ♪ An acre of diamonds I'd offer to you ♪ ♪ A solid gold mansion, an airplane or two ♪ -♪ This whole world would be yours to have and to hold ♪ ♪ If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold ♪ -♪ If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold ♪ ♪ I'd have all the riches my pockets would hold ♪ ♪ I'd be oh-so wealthy with treasures untold ♪ ♪ If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -♪ The tears that have fallen won't buy you a thing ♪ ♪ The heartaches you've caused me won't pay for a ring ♪ -♪ And the love that I wanted would not have grown cold ♪ ♪ If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold ♪ -♪ If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold ♪ ♪ I'd have all the riches my pockets would hold ♪ ♪ I'd be oh-so wealthy with treasures untold ♪ ♪ If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold ♪ -♪ But teardrops aren't pennies ♪ -♪ And heartaches aren't gold ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Whoo!

They were magic together, weren't they?

-So good.

-God, Lord.

After recording 12 albums in seven years and performing together on television and in concert seemingly nonstop, Dolly Parton decided it was time to chart her own path in 1974.

-The partnership with Porter Wagoner made Dolly a star.

But being permanently tied to another artist was stifling to her.

Like her contemporaries, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, Dolly was writing music from a woman's point of view, and she was ready to build her own career without the dominance of Wagoner.

-On the other hand, Parton had reinvigorated the career of Porter Wagoner, so he was reluctant to let her go.

Communications were strained and there was frequent friction between the two.

-Unable to talk to him, Dolly wrote a song to express her gratitude to Porter while asking for her freedom.

She sang it to him in his office.

Porter broke into tears saying it was the most beautiful song he'd ever heard, and he agreed to let Dolly out of their business relationship.

-Bitterness and resentment set in afterwards.

But the two would reconcile in the late 1980s and become friends again.

Dolly, who became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, had the honor of inducting Porter into that elite circle in 2002.

-Oh, let me tell you folks from personal experience that being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honors imaginable.

Anyway, this next inductee changed my life forever, but that's only part of one of the greatest country music stories ever told.

I'm thrilled to proclaim that our second CMA Hall of Fame inductee is none other than my dear friend and valued mentor Porter Wagoner.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you so much.

I like to think of myself as a link.

A link between the real pioneers of country music and the stars of today and tomorrow.

You would think that when a man receives the highest award in his chosen field, that his ego would just go plumb through the ceiling.

But you know what, I've never felt more humble in my whole life than I do tonight.

[ Applause ] -Dolly's final tribute to her mentor Porter Wagoner was in 2007, during a cable TV broadcast of "Opry Live," celebrating Wagoner's 80th birthday.

She sang to him, "I Will Always Love You."

A few months later, Porter Wagoner passed away with Dolly by his side.

-Here's Dolly with a 1974 performance of I "I Will Always Love You."

[ Applause ] ♪♪ -♪ If I should stay ♪ ♪ I would only be in your way ♪ ♪ So I'll go, but I know ♪ ♪ I'll think of you each step of the way ♪ ♪ And I will always love you ♪ ♪ I will always love you ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Bittersweet memories ♪ ♪ That's all I am taking with me ♪ ♪ Goodbye, please don't cry ♪ ♪ We both know that I'm not what you need ♪ ♪ But I will always love you ♪ ♪ I will always love you ♪ I hope life treats you kind And I hope that you have all that you ever dreamed of.

And I wish you joy and happiness ♪ Oh, but above all of this ♪ ♪ I wish you love ♪ ♪ And I will always love you ♪ ♪ I will always love you ♪ ♪ I will always love ♪ ♪ You ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -We're coming to you now from Studio A backstage at the Grand Ole Opry where so many memorable performances were filmed for the TV series "Hee Haw."

-Tammy Wynette came to Nashville in 1966 as a divorced mother of three children.

It was a brave move for the aspiring singer and after multiple rejections, producer Billy Sherrill was impressed with her voice and signed her with Epic Records later that year.

-It was the beginning of a phenomenal partnership that led to 17 #1 singles from 1967 to 1976.

During that run, 1968 stands out for two reasons -- That was the year she met her idol, George Jones, who was already one of the biggest stars in country music.

It was the beginning of a long and memorable relationship.

-But it was also the year she wrote and recorded her signature song with Billy Sherrill.

The song would earn her a Grammy Award in 1970.

Years later, the song would be inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

And in 2024, the Recording Academy would honor Tammy yet again with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

-Now, here's Tammy Wynette with the country classic, "Stand By Your Man."

[ Applause ] ♪♪ ♪ Sometimes it's hard to be a woman ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Givin' all your love to just one man ♪ ♪♪ ♪ You'll have bad times ♪ ♪ And he'll have good times ♪ ♪ Doin' things that you don't understand ♪ ♪♪ ♪ But if you love him ♪ ♪ You'll forgive him ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Even though he's hard to understand ♪ ♪♪ ♪ And if you love him ♪ ♪ Oh, be proud of him ♪ ♪ 'Cause, after all, he's just a man ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Stand by your man ♪ ♪ Give him two arms to cling to ♪ ♪ And somethin' warm to come to ♪ ♪ When nights are cold and lonely ♪ ♪ Stand by your man ♪ ♪ And show the world you love him ♪ ♪ Keep givin' all the love you can ♪ ♪ Stand by your man ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -1968 was a whirlwind of success for Tammy Wynette.

In addition to her top in country music radio, she was named the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year.

Her personal life was like a dream, too, as she was swept into a romantic relationship with Opry star George Jones.

Within a year, they were married, becoming Mr. and Mrs. Country Music.

-The marriage also reinvigorated Jones' career.

He dropped his old business relationships to record with Tammy's producer Billy Sherrill and joined the Epic roster.

Sherrill transformed the sound of George Jones with lush records where the music supported his voice, resulting in many of the greatest performances of his career.

-By 1971, Billy recorded Tammy and George in the studio together, making the first of nine duet albums.

For fans, it was a dream come true, the pairing of two of the greatest voices in country music.

The creative and professional relationship between Tammy and George would outlive the marriage by many years.

And they left us with many wonderful and musical memories, including this song from the popular album, "We're Gonna Hold On."

-And now here's ♪ We're not the jet set ♪ [ Both chuckle ] [ Applause ] -Here's George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ By a fountain back in Rome ♪ ♪ I fell in love with you ♪ ♪ In a small café in Athens ♪ ♪ You said you loved me too ♪ -♪ And it was April in Paris ♪ ♪ When I first held you close to me ♪ -♪ Rome, Georgia ♪ -♪ Athens, Texas ♪ -♪ And Paris, Tennessee ♪ ♪♪ ♪ No we're not the jet set ♪ ♪ We're the old Chevrolet set ♪ ♪♪ ♪ There's no Riviera ♪ ♪ In Festus, Missouri ♪ ♪ And you won't find Onassis ♪ ♪ In Mullinville, Kansas ♪ ♪ No, we're not the jet set, we're the old Chevrolet set ♪ ♪ But ain't we got love ♪ ♪♪ [ Applause ] ♪♪ ♪ No we're not the jet set ♪ ♪ We're the old Chevrolet set ♪ ♪ Our steak and martinis ♪ ♪ Is draft beer with weenies ♪ ♪ Our Bach and Tchaikovsky ♪ ♪ Is Haggard and Husky ♪ ♪ No we're not the jet set, we're the old Chevrolet set ♪ ♪ But ain't we got love ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -In 1970, Tammy and George had their only child together, a daughter, Georgette.

At the time, it seemed the couple would be blessed with happiness as a growing family.

But in the early 70s, Tammy Wynette was the biggest star in the marriage as she continued to rack up #1 hits and awards while George was trying to find his new sound with Billy Sherrill.

-Eventually, the demons of alcohol and drug addiction were haunting Jones yet again, torturing the marriage and tearing the couple apart.

Tammy threatened divorce in 1973, but they reconciled.

George continued to spiral out of control, however, and they separated a year later.

-Ironically, in 1974, George Jones broke through and returned to the top of the country charts with a song that foreshadowed their divorce.

As George sings, he gives you a tour of an empty house that now only contains the memories of lost love.

Here's George at his best with one of his greatest hits a song about failure and heartbreak -- "The Grand Tour."

♪ Step right up ♪ ♪ Come on in ♪ ♪ If you'd like to take the grand tour ♪ ♪ Of the lonely house that once was home sweet home ♪ ♪♪ ♪ I have nothing here to sell you ♪ ♪ Just some things that I will tell you ♪ ♪ Some things I know will chill you to the bone ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Over there sits the chair ♪ ♪ Where she'd bring the paper to me ♪ ♪ And sit down on my knee ♪ ♪ And whisper, "Oh, I love you" ♪ ♪♪ ♪ But now she's gone forever ♪ ♪ And this old house will never ♪ ♪ Be the same ♪ ♪ Without the love that we once knew ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Straight ahead ♪ ♪ That's the bed ♪ ♪ Where we lay in love together ♪ ♪ And Lord knows we had a good thing going here ♪ ♪♪ ♪ See her picture on the table ♪ ♪ Don't it look like she'd be able ♪ ♪ Just to touch me and say ♪ ♪ "Good morning, dear"?

♪ ♪♪ ♪ There's her rings and all her things ♪ ♪ And her clothes are in the closet ♪ ♪ Like she left them ♪ ♪ When she tore my world apart ♪ ♪♪ ♪ As you leave, you'll see the nursery ♪ ♪ Oh, she left me without mercy ♪ ♪ Taking nothing but our baby and my heart ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Step right up ♪ ♪ Come on in ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Ooh.

That's one of the greatest songs of all time, I think.

What do you think?

-It's heartbreaking.

So good.

Tammy Wynette divorced George Jones in 1975, ending six years of marriage.

-Despite the horrible emotional upheaval in George's dependency problems, somehow, the couple maintained a partnership to make records and tour together, complimenting their own successful solo careers.

In the wake of their failed marriage, they even recorded their most popular album, the chart topping "Golden Ring," which featured a title track that mirrored their own recent divorce.

Even though they were no longer singing together as husband and wife, fans still wanted to hear Tammy's teardrop vocal sing in harmony with George's famous dips and slides.

-In 2013, their daughter, Georgette Jones published a memoir about life with her parents, which inspired the TV mini series, "George and Tammy," that debuted in 2022.

In an interview with the Opry, Georgette recall what it was like to see them perform together.

-If they were having a fight, you would know it on stage because normally, she'd be trying to harmonize with him and watch his mouth so she could do that appropriately.

And if he was mad at her, he'd turn away when he would sing, so she couldn't watch and see when he was gonna cut things off or how he was going to phrase things.

But, you know, she said he was always a challenge to sing with 'cause you never knew, he would change the songs all the time.

He sang what was in his heart, when it was in his heart.

He didn't sing things, you know, you hear a record and that's how you sing it.

Never did he do that.

Some great memories of them together when they were happy.

Even after their divorce, I always saw them happy because whenever they did music together, it was like, everything that had ever happened in the past suddenly fell away, and that click happened and they'd lock eyes, and they'd make that magical music.

-And now, here are Tammy Wynette and George Jones singing "Golden Ring" in an episode of "Hee Haw" from 1976, with 6-year-old Georgette on the set behind her famous parents.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -♪ In a pawn shop in Chicago ♪ ♪ On a sunny summer day ♪ ♪ A couple gazes at the wedding rings ♪ ♪ There on display ♪ -♪ She smiles and nods her head ♪ ♪ As he says Honey that's for you ♪ ♪ It's not much but it's the best that I can do ♪ -♪ Golden ring ♪ -♪ Golden ring ♪ -♪ With one tiny little stone ♪ ♪ Waiting there ♪ -♪ Waiting there ♪ -♪ For someone to take it home ♪ ♪ By itself ♪ -♪ By itself ♪ -♪ It's just a cold metallic thing ♪ ♪ Only love can make a golden wedding ring ♪ ♪♪ -♪ In a little wedding chapel ♪ ♪ Later on that afternoon ♪ ♪ An old upright piano ♪ ♪ Plays that old familiar tune ♪ -♪ Tears roll down her cheeks ♪ ♪ And happy thoughts run through her head ♪ ♪ As he whispers low with this ring I thee wed ♪ -♪ Golden ring ♪ -♪ Golden ring ♪ -♪ With one tiny little stone ♪ ♪ Shining ring ♪ -♪ Shining ring ♪ -♪ Now at last it's found a home ♪ ♪ By itself ♪ -♪ By itself ♪ -♪ It's just a cold metallic thing ♪ ♪ Only love can make a golden wedding ring ♪ ♪♪ -♪ In a small two room apartment ♪ ♪ As they fight their final round ♪ ♪ He says you won't admit it ♪ ♪ But I know you're leavin' town ♪ -♪ She says one thing's for certain ♪ ♪ I don't love you anymore ♪ ♪ And throws down the ring ♪ ♪ As she walks out the door ♪ -♪ Golden ring ♪ -♪ Golden ring ♪ -♪ With one tiny little stone ♪ ♪ Cast aside ♪ -♪ Cast aside ♪ -♪ Like the love that's dead and gone ♪ ♪ By itself ♪ -♪ By itself ♪ -♪ It's just a cold metallic thing ♪ ♪ Only love can make a golden wedding ring ♪ ♪♪ ♪ In a pawn shop in Chicago ♪ ♪ On a sunny summer day ♪ ♪ A couple gazes at the wedding rings ♪ ♪ There on display ♪ ♪ Golden ring ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] coming to you again from the stage of the world famous Grand Ole Opry.

-Loretta Lynn is one of the most important women in music history in any genre.

Like Dolly and Tammy, she was a pioneer as an artist and songwriter performing material from the female point of view in a male-dominated business.

In a career that spanned almost 60 years dating back to her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 1960, Memaw wrote more than 160 songs and released 60 albums, ten of which made it to the top of the charts.

16 of her singles were also #1 hits on country radio.

-She blazed the trail for me to follow by being the very first woman to be named Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1972.

Her awards and accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Country Music Hall of Fame make up a list that goes on and on and on.

-But throughout her career and all the many heights of success, Loretta never changed.

She was always the down to Earth and plain spoken coal miners daughter from Butcher Holler, Kentucky.

Well, you know, Memaw was a fairy tale princess on stage in those huge gowns.

And then she was that cuddly grandmother in the back of the bus watching "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" or the story of Jesus.

You know, you just never knew what you're going to do, but she was so giving and so loving.

And she loved to cuddle and she was just, you know, like they say she was the same person on stage that she was in her living room, and there was nothing she wouldn't give to her family or to her fans.

And I just -- I miss her every day.

But the way she loved, how much she loved us, lives on with us all the time.

-Man, she was so awesome.

I'm so glad I got to know her the last, you know, few years we were doing this show together, and I got to be, you know, a part of her life.

And I mean, she was kind of my Memaw too, even though she wasn't my Memaw, but I -- you know, she acted that way towards me.

-I know, she loved you.

She always said that you had Conway's heart, and she'd call you Ty.

-She'd call me Ty.

-Instead of Tre.

"Tell Ty I love him."

-That's okay, though.

-And now here's Loretta with her signature song from 1970, "Coal Miner's Daughter."

-Two years ago, I wrote a song called "Coal Miner's Daughter" and I know a little bit about this girl because I just happened to be that coal miner's daughter.

♪♪ ♪ Well, I was born the coal miner's daughter ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪ In a cabin on a hill in Butcher Holler ♪ ♪♪ ♪ We were poor, but we had love ♪ ♪ That's the one thing that Daddy made sure of ♪ ♪ He shoveled coal to make a poor man's dollar ♪ ♪♪ ♪ My Daddy worked all night in the Van Lear coal mines ♪ ♪♪ ♪ All day long in a field hoeing corn ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Mommy rocked the babies at night ♪ ♪ And read the Bible by the coal-oil light ♪ ♪ And everything would start all over come break of dawn ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Daddy loved and raised eight kids on a miner's pay ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Mommy scrubbed our clothes on a washboard every day ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Why, I've seen her fingers bleed ♪ ♪ To complain, there was no need ♪ ♪ She's smiled in Mommy's understanding way ♪ ♪♪ ♪ In the summertime, we didn't have shoes to wear ♪ ♪♪ ♪ But in the wintertime, we'd all get a brand new pair ♪ ♪♪ ♪ From a mail-order catalog ♪ ♪ Money made from selling a hog ♪ ♪ Daddy always managed to get the money somewhere ♪ ♪ Yeah, I'm proud to be a coal miner's daughter ♪ ♪♪ ♪ I remember well the well where I drew water ♪ ♪♪ ♪ The work we done was hard ♪ ♪ At night, we'd sleep 'cause we were tired ♪ ♪ I never thought of ever leaving Butcher Holler ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Well, a lot of things have changed since way back then ♪ ♪♪ ♪ And it's so good to be back home again ♪ ♪ Not much left but the floor ♪ ♪ Nothing lives here anymore ♪ ♪ Except the memories of a coal miner's daughter ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Loretta's duet recordings with Conway Twitty started a year after her success with "Coal Miner's Daughter."

Twitty was also basking in the glow as greatest hit to date when the two country legends joined forces.

-Conway first started out singing rock and roll in the late 1950s and almost falled in the footsteps of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and others from Sun Records in Memphis.

But he became disenchanted with rock and roll and decided to follow his heart into country music in the mid 1960s.

The switch seemed to fit his distinct baritone voice, and Conway Twitty, who birth name was Harold Jenkins, began notching hits on country radio.

During this time, there were a number of great male vocalists in country music from Johnny Cash to Merle Haggard and George Jones.

But no one can match Conway Twitty and his pace of notching #1 singles.

Over the span of his career, which lasted into the 1990s, Conway recorded a staggering 40 #1 songs, a record that stood for many years until it was finally surpassed by George Strait.

-Twitty would have probably achieved even more, but his life was cut short in 1993 at the young age of 59 by an abdominal aneurysm.

Tre, you were still young man.

What was your relationship like with your famous Poppy?

-Well, I was very young when Poppy passed away, so I didn't get a chance to have that, you know, amazing adult relationship that you and Memaw had when y'all were -- when you were growing up and all that kind of stuff.

But, you know, Poppy was -- he worked all the time, and he was always gone.

But, you know, everything he did, there's a line in the song called "That's My Job," it says, "Everything I do is because of you, to keep you safe with me.

That's my job, you see."

And that reminds me of Twitty City when I hear it.

Right?

Because he built Twitty City for all of us to live with him.

So his mom's house was next to his house, behind his house was where his kids and his grandkids all lived.

And he always worked so hard to make sure we all had everything we needed at all time.

And we were always around him at all time.

So my experiences with him were limited because of the time he was gone, but the love that I felt from him was so obvious and everything he provided for us.

-That's so sweet.

I love that he did that, and you have those memories, even though you were young.

I love that so much.

-Thank you.

-Now, here's the legendary Conway Twitty with his most famous hit song, 1970s... -"Hello, darlin'."

-Hello, Conway.

-Hello, darlin'.

[ Applause ] Nice to see you.

♪ It's been a long time ♪ ♪ You're just as lovely ♪ ♪ As you used to be ♪ ♪ How's your new love?

♪ ♪ Are you happy?

♪ ♪ Hope you're doin' fine ♪ ♪ Just to know it means so much to me ♪ ♪♪ ♪ What's that, darlin'?

♪ ♪ How am I doin'?

♪ ♪ I'm doin' alright ♪ ♪ Except I can't sleep and I cry all night 'til dawn ♪ ♪ What I'm trying to say ♪ ♪ Is I love you ♪ ♪ And I miss you ♪ ♪ And I'm so sorry that I did you wrong ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Look up, darlin' ♪ ♪ Let me kiss you ♪ ♪ Just for old time's sake ♪ ♪ Let me hold you in my arms one more time ♪ ♪ Thank you, darlin' ♪ ♪ May God bless you ♪ ♪ And each step you take ♪ ♪ Bring you closer to the things you seek to find ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Goodbye, darlin' ♪ ♪ I gotta go now ♪ ♪ Gotta try to find a way ♪ ♪ To lose these memories of a love so warm and true ♪ ♪ And if you should ever find it ♪ ♪ In your heart to forgive me ♪ ♪ Come back, darlin' ♪ ♪ I'll be waitin' for you ♪ [ Applause ] -Oh, my goodness.

When we -- I don't sing it, but when you sing that song, when we do it at our shows, the ladies go bananas.

-Absolutely, they do.

-Bananas.

That drives them crazy.

-It does.

I look out there and I see people in the audience, I see couples holding hands.

Because that song was their first kiss when that song was playing during their first date.

I'll see women crying because -- -Shoot, women crying?

They're jumping up on stage, trying to get to Tre, thinkin' about Old Conway back in the day.

-Right.

But that's just -- That's just one of the reasons.

All these songs are like old hymnals almost to people.

-Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

-They just grew up listening to them, and they mean so much to these people because every song is a memory somewhere down in their life.

So that's why these songs resonate through the years even today.

-It's so true.

And, you know, in many ways, Loretta Lynn and Conway Tody were unlikely duet partners.

-Like me and you.

[ Chuckles ] -Well, Conway was the suave ladies man with an undeniable sexiness in his voice and stage presence.

-Oh, yeah.

Absolutely.

-Where as Memaw, you know, Loretta was confident and independent, and she was a sassy woman who could easily put a man in his place, even though I never saw her do it.

She's sure sing about it.

-She could do it.

Absolutely, she could.

So how did these two opposites come together?

Some of the magic was orchestrated by another influential producer Owen Bradley.

Bradley was Loretta's producer, and he also produced some of Conway's hit records.

It was Bradley who booked both to recording sessions when they conveniently met.

-There was a lot of disagreement, however, in the two camps about their possible pairing.

But in the end, it was a family that made it happen.

Loretta's husband, my grandfather, Doolittle Lynn, became great friends with Conway.

On the other side, Conway's wife, Mickey simply adored me Memaw.

It was a genuine friendship that overcame professional obstacles.

-We're grateful it worked out because Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn became perhaps the greatest country duet pairing of all time.

-In our opinion.

-In our opinion.

Absolutely, in our opinion.

With Owen Bradley producing, they released their first duets album in 1971.

And here is their first #1 hit single "After the Fire Is Gone."

-Mm!

[ Applause ] -♪ Love is where you find it ♪ -♪ When you find no love at home ♪ -♪ And there's nothing cold as ashes ♪ ♪ After the fire is gone ♪ -Sing it pretty.

-♪ The bottle is almost empty ♪ ♪ The clock just now struck ten ♪ ♪ And darling I had to call you ♪ ♪ To our favorite place again ♪ -♪ We know it's wrong for us to meet ♪ ♪ But the fire's gone out at home ♪ -♪ And there's nothing cold as ashes ♪ ♪ After the fire is gone ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Love is where you find it ♪ -♪ When you find no love at home ♪ -♪ And there's nothing cold as ashes ♪ ♪ After the fire is gone ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -♪ Your lips are warm and tender ♪ ♪ Your arms hold me just right ♪ ♪ Sweet words of love you remember ♪ ♪ That the one at home forgot ♪ -♪ Each time we say is the last time ♪ ♪ But we keep hanging on ♪ -♪ And there's nothing cold as ashes ♪ ♪ After the fire is gone ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Love is where you find it ♪ ♪ When you find no love at home ♪ -♪ And there's nothing cold as ashes ♪ ♪ After the fire is gone ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Another song about cheating.

They loved them cheating songs.

-We get asked about it all the time.

We say they never did it, but they obviously thought about it.

-They sing about it a lot.

-All the time.

-But that is good old country music right there.

-I'm telling you what.

That's what wins at Grammys right there.

-It absolutely does.

-Between 1971 and '81, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty recorded ten duet albums and toured together, in addition to maintaining their successful solo careers.

You really wonder where they found the time to promote everything they were doing.

-From these records, they released 13 singles, and every song was a top-ten hit.

In fact, the first five all topped the country charts.

Their popularity was enormous.

"After the Fire Has Gone," won them a Grammy in 1971.

From 1972 to 1975, they were the vocal duo of the year at the CMA Awards.

-I have so many memories of Conway that I just can't pick one out.

You know... Conway is one of the greatest singers I ever heard.

Him and George Jones, you know, nobody could beat 'em.

And I haven't heard anybody sing like Conway Twitty... uh, since he's been gone.

There a lot of people try to, you know, but nobody ever.

He gets it just right.

-Without a doubt, the 1970s was the decade of Loretta and Conway.

So let's enjoy seeing them once again, singing their biggest hit -"Louisiana Woman..." -"Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man."

-We'll get together anytime we can.

-Absolutely.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -♪ Hey, Louisiana woman ♪ -♪ Mississippi man ♪ -♪ We get together every time we can ♪ ♪ The Mississippi River can't keep us apart ♪ -♪ There's too much love in this Mississippi heart ♪ -♪ Too much love in this Louisiana heart ♪ -♪ See the alligator all a-waitin' nearby ♪ ♪ Sooner or later, they know I'm gonna try ♪ ♪ When she waved from the bank, don't you know I know?

♪ ♪ It's a-goodbye, fishin' line, see you while I go ♪ ♪ With a Louisiana woman waitin' on the other side ♪ ♪ The Mississippi River don't look so wide ♪ ♪ Hey, Louisiana woman ♪ -♪ Mississippi man ♪ -♪ We get together every time we can ♪ ♪ The Mississippi River can't keep us apart ♪ -♪ There's too much love in this Mississippi heart ♪ -♪ Too much love in this Louisiana heart ♪ ♪ Well, I thought I'd been loved, but I never had ♪ ♪ 'Til I was wrapped in the arms of a Mississippi man ♪ ♪ When he holds me close, it feels almost ♪ ♪ Like another hurricane just ripped the coast ♪ ♪ If he can't come to me, I'm a-gonna go to him ♪ ♪ That Mississippi River, Lord, I'm gonna swim ♪ -♪ Hey, Louisiana woman ♪ -♪ Mississippi man ♪ -♪ We get together every time we can ♪ ♪ The Mississippi River can't keep us apart ♪ -♪ There's too much love in this Mississippi heart ♪ -♪ Too much love in this Louisiana heart ♪ -♪ Well, The Mississippi River, Lord, it's one mile wide ♪ ♪ And I'm gotta get me to the other side ♪ ♪♪ -♪ Mississippi man, I'm a-losin' my mind ♪ ♪ Gotta have your lovin' one more time ♪ -♪ I'm gonna jump in the river, and a-here I go ♪ ♪ Too bad, alligator, you swim too slow ♪ ♪ Hey, Louisiana woman ♪ -♪ Mississippi man ♪ -♪ We get together every time we can ♪ ♪ The Mississippi River can't keep us apart ♪ -♪ There's too much love in this Mississippi heart ♪ -♪ Too much love in this Louisiana heart ♪ -♪ Too much love in this Mississippi heart ♪ -♪ Too much love in this Louisiana heart ♪ ♪ Heeey-ee ♪ ♪ To much love ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you for joining us for "Country's Legendary Duets."

-We're Twitty and Lynn.

And thank you for loving this music as much as we do.

-It's so timeless.

-♪ Some folks spend a lifetime searching for the right one ♪ ♪ And they'll grasp at any one of love's sensations ♪ -♪ But you and i will search no more ♪ ♪ For we have found it ♪ -Yes, we have.

-♪ You and I... ♪ -We've located it.

-♪ Have found the right conglomeration ♪ [ Chuckles ] -♪ I believe we have the right combination ♪ ♪ Our love and happiness both seem so strong ♪ ♪ I believe we have a firm foundation ♪ ♪ That our love can build and last forever on ♪ [ Applause ]