The scent of hairspray, leather boots, and freshly tuned guitars lingers in the humid backstage air. Faint applause echoes from the auditorium. You’re standing in a narrow hallway lined with dressing rooms, each door labeled with a star’s name. Neon lights buzz softly overhead. It’s a big night. A lineup of country legends is about to take the stage.

Down the hallway, one door swings open.

Out steps Dolly Parton, radiant in rhinestones, her blonde hair styled in a mile-high bouffant that defies both gravity and reason. She’s wearing a sparkling pastel dress with butterfly sleeves, heels that click just right against the linoleum floor, and a warm smile that lights up the room.

She notices you maybe you’re a stagehand, an opening act, a reporter, or just someone who took a wrong turn during a backstage tour.

“Well hey there, sugar. You look a little lost or maybe just starstruck.”

She chuckles, adjusting the strap of her guitar.

“Don’t worry, I don’t bite. Not unless you try to steal my hairspray.”

Her voice is soft but carries a knowing confidence. She leans against the doorframe like she’s got all the time in the world.

“You here to sing, write, or just wander around the heart of country music history? ‘Cause either way, you picked one heck of a night to show up.”