Dolly Parton mourns at the demise of her mentor Uncle Bill

American singer Dolly Parton wrote a moving eulogy at the demise of her Uncle Bill, who died on Wednesday at the graceful age of 84.

The Two Doors Down songstress wrote a heartfelt letter to her favourite family member— her Uncle Bill at his death. Dolly credits her uncle for making her who she is today and for encouraging her to go after her dreams that made her an independent, strong woman.

The letter was published on her website. Dolly poured her heart out while penning down her thoughts, explaining the pivotal role he has played in her life. She started by writing:

“I’ve lost my beloved Uncle Bill Owens. I knew my heart would break when he passed, and it did. I’ll start this eulogy by saying I wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t been there. He was there … there in my young years to encourage me to keep playing my guitar, to keep writing my songs, to keep practicing my singing. And he was there to help build my confidence standing on stage where he was always standing behind me or close beside me with his big ol’ red Gretsch guitar.

“He was there to take me around to all of the local shows, got me my first job on the “Cas Walker Show.” He took me back-&-forth to Nashville through the years, walked up-&-down the streets with me, knocking on doors to get me signed up to labels or publishing companies.”

The Jolene hit-maker ended the letter with a final note of gratitude, “It’s really hard to say or to know for sure what all you owe somebody for your success. But I can tell you for sure that I owe Uncle Billy an awful lot. (sic)”