08/26/2026
Two people I have loved listening to for most of my life are Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
Today, we lost Dolly.
Years ago, Kenny and Dolly recorded a song together called “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” I’ve always loved that song, but I don’t think I’ll ever hear it quite the same way again. If you've never heard this song, listen to it tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chBNBzE35EI
There’s a beautiful moment in the song about St. Peter opening the gates of Heaven, one old friend walking in, and the other being there waiting.
Kenny left us in 2020.
Today, Dolly followed.
I’d like to believe that somewhere in Heaven, Kenny was waiting for his old friend, and tonight, they’re singing together again. Rest in peace, Dolly. And Kenny, take good care of your old friend.
You really can’t make old friends. ❤️
And maybe that’s why this song means even more to me today.
As I’ve gotten older, more and more of the people I have loved have gone on before me. My mom and dad. My two brothers. My daughter. And far too many old friends.
I miss them all.
I’m in no hurry to leave this life; I still have a lot of living and loving left to do. But my faith tells me that when my day eventually comes, I won’t be walking through those gates alone.
I like to believe a welcoming committee will be waiting on the other side: my family, my daughter, my old friends, and so many people I have loved along the way.
And what a reunion that will be.
Until then, I’ll keep loving the people who are still here, remembering the ones who went before me, and being grateful for every old friend God has put in my life.
Because you really can’t make old friends. You can only make new friends and, if you’re lucky, live long enough to watch them become old ones. ❤️
If you haven't heard it, enjoy the lyrics, then go listen to "You Can't Make Old Friends."
What will I do when you're gone?
Who's gonna tell me the truth?
Who's gonna finish the stories I start
The way you always do?
When somebody knocks at the door
Someone new walks in
I will smile and shake their hands
But you can't make old friends
You can't make old friends
Can't make old friends
It was me and you, since way back when
But you can't make old friends
How will I sing when you're gone?
'Cause it won't sound the same
Who'll join in on those harmony parts
When I call your name?
You can't make old friends
Can't make old friends
It was you and me, since way back when
But you can't make old friends
When Saint Peter opens the gate
And you come walking in
I'll be there just waiting for you
'Cause you can't make old friends
("'Cause you can't make old friends") (no)
An' when I'm out on the stage all alone
And I hear the music begin
We all know the show must go on
But you can't make old friends (no, noooo)
You can't make old friends
Can't make old friends
And you and me, will be young again
You can't make old friends
You and me, will be together again
"'Cause we both know, we'll still be old friends"
You can't make old friends Hmmmm
Not the way we've always been