Aurora native once performed "Jolene" with Dolly Parton

https://youtu.be/t_ARolo8y8E?si=xAry0wi9FmxX8bE1

(NEW YORK CITY) – The passing of Dolly Parton came as a shock and moment of sadness for millions of Americans. 

The country music icon and creator of the Imagination Library reading program unexpectedly passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday. 

While many in our area are familiar with her music and philanthropy, there's just a few locals who had the opportunity to work with her professionally. 

Krisitin Weber is a 2004 South Dearborn graduate who has built an impressive professional music career as an award-winning violinist, fiddler and singer. 

The Aurora native has performed with some of the biggest names in the industry including Eric Church, Eminem, The Beach Boys, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Evanescence, Michael Buble, Lauryn Hill and many others.

She has also graced the stage of the Grammy’s and other major events. 

Weber is currently in the band ‘Ghost Hounds’ and is spending this week in New York City promoting their new album.

On Tuesday, she was boarding a subway in SoHo when she received a notification that Dolly Parton passed away. 

“It was an immediate shock and I think I let out an audible gasp right there in the subway station,” she told The 812. 

Back in 2018, Weber had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be with Dolly and it was an experience she'll never forget. 

Weber was asked to be part of the string quartet for a live recording of ‘Jolene’ in the studio with Dolly. 

Kristin recalls how Dolly was still hitting the high notes of the song and how the most seasoned string players in the room had a tear in their eye. 

“Anytime that anyone has asked me what my favorite career moment has been, I've always said it was that time performing Jolene with Dolly Parton. I never think that it will be topped either,” she said. 

Weber described it as a profound moment, not just because of the stardom of Dolly, but also because of the musicality and talent that Dolly possessed. 

Click the media player above to watch that 2018 recording of “Jolene” performed by Dolly Parton as well as Kristin Weber.

RELATED: A Milan native has lost his friend, Dolly Parton. Read that story here.