Raleigh – When Dolly Parton stepped onto the stage at the Marbles Children’s Museum in 2019, local musician Randy Ines never expected to become part of the legendary singer’s moment. Ines, a guitarist with the Bull City Syndicate, was providing entertainment for a charity event that highlighted early‑childhood education, a cause long championed by Parton through her Imagination Library.
A once‑in‑a‑lifetime gig
“They said, ‘Dolly wants to play,’” Ines recalled. “I went, ‘what?!’” The surprise invitation came just as his set list was filled with wedding songs. “I’m sorry, Jolene’s not a wedding song!” he laughed, but the band quickly shifted gears and delivered a roaring rendition of the country classic.
Parton’s presence was more than a performance. Before the band took the stage, she spoke warmly about a personal loss, noting how one of Ines’s bandmates resembled her late brother. “She made light of it,” Ines said, remembering how she opened up with the group in a way that felt both genuine and comforting.
Life‑changing impact
The encounter left a lasting imprint on Ines. He says the experience “touched my heart” and sparked a spiritual awakening. “I wanted to be a better person, a better musician, a better Christian,” he explained. With encouragement from his wife, Ines turned that inspiration into action, leaving his regular 9‑to‑5 job to pursue a path more aligned with the values he saw embodied by Parton.
He converted his basement into a modest studio where he now offers music lessons to children. Some days the space buzzes with dozens of eager learners; other days it’s quieter, but the purpose remains the same: to pass on the love of music and the legacy of generosity that Parton represents.
Giving back to the community
Ines’s shift mirrors Parton’s own commitment to children’s education. Through the Imagination Library, she has mailed books to more than 850,000 children each month worldwide. By teaching music locally, Ines hopes to extend that spirit of giving, believing that “that’s a great launching pad for me to pass on that legacy of music.”
“I know that’s exactly what Dolly would do – pass on that legacy,” Ines said, smiling.
The story underscores how a single encounter with a cultural icon can inspire ordinary citizens to serve their neighborhoods in meaningful ways, reinforcing Raleigh’s vibrant arts scene and its deep ties to faith‑based values.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
