LeGrand Gold, a devoted Dolly Parton superfan, passed away on Feb. 8 at the age of 48 after battling Stage 4 cancer. Despite receiving grim news from scans in late 2023, Gold decided to focus on his "LeGrand's List of Living," which included spending quality time with his children, traveling to Chicago with his wife Alice, and his seemingly unattainable dream of meeting Dolly Parton.
Just before Christmas last year, that dream became a reality when Parton surprised Gold with a heartfelt phone call. Parton serenaded him with a rendition of "I Will Always Love You" and expressed her gratitude for his unwavering support over the years.
At Gold's memorial service, country music filled the air, honoring his love for the genre. Despite the absence of Parton's songs, classics such as Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain" and John Denver's "For Baby (For Bobbie)" set the tone for a heartfelt farewell. The service also featured the timeless hymn, "I'll Fly Away."
In times of loss, it's moments like these that remind us of the power of music in bringing comfort and solace to those in need. Let us remember LeGrand Gold as a shining example of a life well-lived, filled with love, passion, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of music.
