In 1977 Dolly Parton Performed A 6-Show Residency In Latham, NY

I remember where I was when I heard that Elvis Presley had died. I have similar "frozen moments" related to the passing of John Lennon and Michael Jackson. Now we are forced to add Dolly Parton to that list. Dolly Rebecca Parton passed away on Tuesday August 25, 2026.

When the news of Dolly's passing broke you could sense an immediate, collective, sadness reverberate around the world. Instantly your mind starts to search for memories connected to Dolly. For example, did you know Dolly Parton performed at the Colonie Coliseum Summer Theater in Latham? Let's take a look back.

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In 1977 Dolly Parton, backed by the Gypsy Fever Band, toured the United States along side the likes of Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers. In July of 1977 Dolly teamed up with Mac Davis and made their way to the Capital Region.

Dolly Parton and Mac Davis performed 6 shows, between July 11th and July 16th, at the Colonie Coliseum Summer Theater, 629 Columbia Street Extension in Latham.

Keystone, Getty Images

According to Time magazine, in July of 1977, Dolly would open her shows with a cover of 'Higher and Higher' followed through the set with hits such as 'Jolene', Coat of Many Colors', and 'I Will Always Love You'.

Read more; Take A Look Back at the Colonie Coliseum Summer Theater, Also Known As the Starlite Theater, in Latham, NY

Dolly Parton only performed a hand full of times in the Capital Region playing Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1979 and 1983, the Pepsi Arena in 2004 and the 6 shows in Latham. If you attended any of them, you are among the fortunate few.