Johnny Carson Dared Dolly Parton to Sing "Aretha Franklin's Song" on Live TV - What Happened Next

Johnny Carson Dared Dolly Parton to Sing "Aretha Franklin's Song" on Live TV - What Happened Next February 1978. Dolly Parton had the biggest pop hit of her life — and Nashville hadn't forgiven her for it. A New York critic called her "a wig with a voice attached." She read the review on the plane to Los Angeles, folded it, and put it in her purse. Then Johnny Carson walked into the Tonight Show green room and saw it sticking out of the top. He dared her to sing Aretha Franklin's "A Natural Woman" — live, no rehearsal, in front of fifteen million people. If she missed, every critic in America would write the same review the next morning. Dolly stepped out of her high heels, asked Doc Severinsen for one piano player, and walked to a single microphone under one white light. Halfway through the second verse, she looked straight into the camera. Only one person watching knew why. ❤️ Like if this story touched your heart. 💬 Comment where you're watching from. 🔔 Subscribe for more emotional stories inspired by legendary moments. #DollyParton #JohnnyCarson #ArethaFranklin #TheTonightShow #CarlDean