Lainey Wilson and Luke Nelson Perform Bittersweet Rendition of 'You Can't Make Old Friends' at CMA Tribute to Dolly Parton

In honor of the late Dolly Parton, in celebration of her life and legacy at the CMA TV Tribute Special I Will Always Love You, country stars Lukas Nelson and Lainey Wilson performed a special rendition of 'You Can't Make Old Friends.'

'You Can't Make Old Friends,' recorded by Dolly and her longtime musical partner and friend the late Kenny Rogers, is the lead single and title track off of Rogers' 2013 album. The song, as bittersweet and direct as it is, is of course made to be a duet. Parton and Rogers were longtime industry friends and partners, recording an array of classics together such as 'Islands In The Stream,' molding their bond with powerful and emotional collaborations.

The song is just another Dolly hit that resembles her wholesome, loving and caring spirit. At the tribute special, Nelson and Wilson brought a refreshing feel of southern feel-good music. The lyrics famously speak of cherishing the value of old friendships - a rare type of relationship that can only be found once and never recreated.

Which is why the Nelson and Wilson pairing for 'You Can't Make Old Friends' makes all the more sense. Like all of the country artists who stepped out to honor Dolly on Wednesday night, these two have a special relationship with the late country legend.

Nelson, son of country music legend Willie Nelson, said he was "honored to celebrate the icon," someone who worked on projects with his father - someone whose impact Nelson has said cannot be replaced.

Musically, Wilson was an important part of the later days of Dolly's career. The 'Things A Man Oughta Know' songstress featured in Dolly's last release before her passing, which was a re-recording of her hit 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning.'

Similarly, Wilson also released a special Dolly tribute back in 2020, 'WWDD (What Would Dolly Do),' a clear nod to the influence Parton had on Wilson, and all the ways the 'Wildflowers and Wild horses' songstress looked up to Dolly as she was growing up and pursuing a dream. The two also recorded 'Mama He's Crazy' together for A Tribute to The Judds in 2023. Their time together helped to cultivate a deep friendship, one Wilson has spent time honoring since her passing.

Considering the history between Wilson, Nelson, and Dolly herself, the song seemed perfectly fitting for the pair to play in honor of her - and on many levels, we can only assume the performance helped Wilson and Nelson to reflect on their relationship with the 'Jolene' songstress, as all in attendance of the tribute show said a final farewell to the country legend.

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