When Dolly Parton joined Porter Wagoner’s television show, she also began touring with him.  They spent a good portion of their year on the road and traveled in his tour bus. Parton said that while Wagoner did what he could to make her comfortable, it was still a challenge to go on the road with so many men. 

Dolly Parton wasn’t thrilled to be on tour with Porter Wagoner

Parton joined Wagoner’s show in 1967. They immediately began filming on a rapid schedule and recorded together in the studio. They also started touring. Parton and Wagoner played over 100 shows each year, traveling between cities across the country. This meant spending a significant portion of each year on the road in Wagoner’s tour bus. Parton struggled with the arrangements. 

“It was hell … but in the early days when I was travelling in the bus, Porter saw to it that I had my own little bathroom,” she said, per the book Smart Blonde by Stephen Miller. “I didn’t have to pee in the same room with the guys.”

The grueling schedule and extended periods of time on the road wore on everyone. Wagoner was hospitalized more than once because of exhaustion.

Dolly Parton admitted she and Porter Wagoner fought often 

Wagoner and Parton were spending a significant amount of time together. This led to constant disagreements. Parton said that while she valued her time with him and learned a great deal, it also wore on her.

“We just got to where we argued and quarreled about personal things,” she told Playboy in 1978, per the book Dolly on Dolly. “Things we had no business quarreling and arguing about. It was beginning to tarnish a really good relationship. We didn’t get along very well, but no more his fault than mine. We were just a lot alike. Both ambitious. I wanted to do things my way and he wanted to do things his way.”

They parted ways in 1974, leading to further, more heated arguments. Wagoner disparaged her in the press and eventually sued her for $3 million. When they ended their partnership, Parton said she felt she needed to recover.

“I just felt at that time I had been probably kicked around some,” she told Rolling Stone in 1977. “Not by my husband — he is the best person that ever lived. But you know, me and Porter, we just kind of said things, hurt each other’s feelings and, you know, trampled around on territory that was real sensitive, cut each other about songs. It’s just — I felt black and blue and I just wanted to heal back up and mend myself back together and get on with my life.”

Fans can stay in her tour bus

As Parton’s career advanced, she got a tour bus of her own. Fans have the opportunity to stay in it. Visitors to Dollywood can stay at the bus, which is now parked at the DreamMore Resort and Spa.