IT WAS THE first time she had been to Scotland – and Dolly Parton had a Royal surprise awaiting her when she arrived in Glasgow on May 16, 1977.

“When they told me on the plane I was appearing in front of the Queen I just jumped up and down telling everyone,” she told the Evening Times.

The country star had been told en route from the US that her concert in the city would be performed in front of Her Majesty as part of the King’s Theatre’s all-star Royal Variety Show marking the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

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We reported: “As male travellers gaped at the stunning American country singer, Dolly told the Evening Times: ‘They kept it a surprise from me until I was on the flight over.’

Dolly continued in her “delicious Southern drawl”, according to the reporter: “It’s just one of the biggest thrills of my life.

“When I was a little girl I grew up in a world of kings and queens and princes and princesses in fairy tales. Now I’m going to meet one.”

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The article continued: “Wearing a stunning yellow t-shirt and tight-fitting blue jeans tucked into brown boots, Dolly added: ‘I’ve never been to Scotland before and I’m really looking forward to it.’”

Writing in The Herald, sister title of the Glasgow Times, Ken Smith, said: “As a young reporter I was sent to Glasgow Airport to meet Dolly Parton as she arrived.

“Two burly chaps in her entourage tried to block me approaching her, but a lovely Dolly - goodness she is tiny - beckoned me over, told me she was stunned that a little ole country girl was going to meet a real live queen, and insisted that I drop by to say ‘Hi’ at the show...”

Backstage after the concert Dolly was photographed talking to the Duke of Edinburgh, with Sydney Devine and Lena Zavaroni looking on.

Dolly has returned to perform at in Glasgow many times since, including a memorable appearance in 2014.

The Herald’s reviewer said: “Dolly’s spirit of female empowerment coursed through the set, which celebrated her new album, Blue Smoke, among old favourites and greatest hits, from the matriarchy-championing Coat of Many Colors, to the sisterhood call-to-arms of 9 to 5 - an anthem for the unsung woman, and one of many crowning moments in a career that’s spanned nigh-on five decades and 100 million record sales, and all from the confines of a silver-fringed catsuit. What a way to make a living.”

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Born the fourth child of 12 to Avie and Robert Lee in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, she grew up in poverty and music was her escape. She credits her uncle, Bill Owens, with helping her to get a foothold in the music business. Early appearances on the Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour in Knoxville, Tennessee, a popular radio show, led to a spot on the Porter Waggoner Show.

Since then, she has had gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, number-one hits on the Billboard country music charts, and has written 3000 songs.

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She is also one of an elite group of artists to have received at least one award nomination from all four major US entertainment organisations - the Oscars, the Tonys, the Grammys and the Emmys.

Did you meet Dolly in Glasgow in 1977? Have you seen her in concert here since?

Perhaps you were one of the lucky ones to attend the all-star Royal Variety Show at the King’s Theatre?

What are your memories of the Queen and Prince Philip’s Silver Jubilee tour of the city?

Get in touch to share your stories. You can email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB.