Dolly Parton says her relationship with Porter Wagoner was ‘passionate’
Parton and Wagoner worked closely together, and their relationship was complicated at times. The “9 to 5” singer has credited Wagoner with teaching her many things about the music business, but that, ultimately, she was tired of playing second-fiddle and wanted a solo career.
“I was with Porter for seven years, and I learned so many things from Porter,” Parton told The Tennessean in 2015. “We had one of those relationships where we were just so passionate about what we did; it was like fire and ice. We kind of butted heads all the time, but we loved each other. There was a great passion there.”
When Parton left Wagoner’s show, it resulted in a long and bitter legal battle. However, they eventually repaired their relationship.