Throughout her remarkable career, Linda Ronstadt collaborated with some of the greatest legends in music. From working with The Eagles to being praised by Neil Young, Ronstadt’s musical resumé includes contributions that have shaped the worlds of rock, folk, and country. But despite her achievements, one regret remains: the Linda Ronstadt Trio tour with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris—a tour that never came to be.
The Formation of the Trio: Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris
The legendary Linda Ronstadt Trio tour was born from a collaboration that began in friendship and mutual respect. Ronstadt, Parton, and Harris had been friends and admirers of each other’s talents for years. These three icons initially attempted to collaborate in the 1970s, but busy schedules prevented a full album from happening. However, their voices could still be heard in each other’s solo work, as their chemistry and harmonies left a lasting mark on individual tracks.
Finally, in 1986, the three women came together to record Trio, an album showcasing their exceptional harmonies and camaraderie. The album topped the Billboard Country chart for five consecutive weeks, but beyond its commercial success, the experience held deep personal significance for Ronstadt. Working with Parton and Harris fulfilled her dream of creating music with artists she deeply respected, and she envisioned the collaboration continuing on tour.
The Missed Opportunity of the Linda Ronstadt Trio Tour
Despite the overwhelming success of Trio, a Linda Ronstadt Trio tour never came to fruition. Although Ronstadt was eager to bring their music to audiences worldwide, scheduling conflicts once again hindered the possibility. At the time, Dolly Parton was committed to her television show, which made it impossible for her to tour. In a conversation with Uncut, Ronstadt expressed her disappointment over the missed opportunity, saying, “I always thought it was a shame that we never toured together… doing it night after night, we would’ve gotten really tight.”
Ronstadt’s vision for the tour included refining their harmonies on the road and strengthening their sound with each performance. She believed that touring together would have added a new layer of depth to their music and offered fans a unique experience of their chemistry live on stage.
The Lasting Legacy of Trio and Ronstadt’s Dream of a Tour
Although the Linda Ronstadt Trio tour never happened, Trio remains a milestone in country and folk music. The album’s success showcased not only the vocal power of these three iconic women but also the strength of their bond in an industry that often sidelined female artists. Ronstadt, Parton, and Harris returned for Trio II in 1999, a testament to their enduring connection and shared musical legacy.
For Ronstadt, the dream of a Trio tour remains one of her career’s “what-ifs.” While fans may never see the three legends share the stage, Trio and Trio II preserve the magic of their collaboration, offering listeners a glimpse of what could have been.
