Yesterday at Dollywood, I got to spend a little time with Diana Degarmo. She’s an amazing young lady, and it was truly a pleasure meeting her. I have a feeling Diana might remember me, because every time someone near me wanted a photo of her – they handed me their camera and said “go take one.” I think Diana must have gotten tired of me coming toward her with a camera, but she was kind enough not to say any thing. And, like I said, by the end of the day – we were buddies! Thanks, Diana.
I got so much information yesterday, I hardly know where to begin. But I think most of you are interested in hearing a little about the CD she is working on. She has signed with John Rich’s production company, and her new CD will be Country/Pop. The song she wrote with Keith Stegall and Shanna Cook, “Right Back Where We Ended,” will be on the CD. That was the song she did on “Gone Country.” She didn’t say when they planned to release the CD, but did say John Rich and Gretchen Wilson were writing some of the songs.
When Diana was 10 years old, she worked at Music Mansion in Pigeon Forge, that was a theater that James Rogers had, in partnership with Dolly’s corporation. Diana worked there during the summer, and for the Christmas shows. It was a 2000 seat theater which opened in 1994, and closed in 1998. 
I met James Rogers on two separate occasions, and totally agree with Diana, who said he was a very special person. James is a talented songwriter and singer. (He will be performing in Marion, Va. April 20, and at Dollywood on May 7).
Back to Diana, She mentioned her stage debut in 2005 in “Annie” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”; and that she recently finsihed five months on Broadway playing the role of Penny Pingleton in “Hairspray.” And in April 2007, she made her first appearance on the stage of Carnege Hall.
This picture of Diana is with Porter Wagoner’s sister (Denise, in pink), and another of the Dollywood guests on Saturday.
Diana has moved to Nashville, and I think that city is ready for her. She likes Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, LIttle Big Town and Sugarland, and is also a fan of Josh Turner. And I think very soon, they will all be big fans of her’s, too.
And here’s one last shot of Dolly from the Porter Wagoner Tribute Concert April 12, 2008, at Dolly’s Celebrity Theater in Dollywood. The day was beautiful, the concert was great, the planting of the rose meaningful — and on top of all that, I got to meet Maureen McCormick and Diana Degarmo. And, hopefully, thanks to Diana’s fan forums, I got a few new blog readers – and a few new friends. Very nice meeting you all. Hope you’ll keep reading and stay in touch. And if you have anything you’d like to share with me and my readers – please drop me a line. Talk to you guys later!
Country
country5@hotmail.com
Thank you for the entry on Diana. I am very much looking forward to her album. I’m sure it must have been nice for her to be back at Dollywood after performing there as a kid with James Rogers. Hopefully she got to meet Dolly too!
I’ll definitely be back again, thanks!
Hi Jackie,
I didn’t talk to Diana after Dolly’s concert, but while I was talking to Maureen McCormick, a few of Dollywood’s employees came over and took Maurene backstage to meet Dolly. I’m quite certain that Diana got to go back and see Dolly, too. I appreciate your comments, appreciate you reading – and hope you will come back often.
Take care,
Country
I doubt Diana was at all tired of you!! She’s the type of person who would appreciate your willingness to help others get their picture taken with her.
Diana’s fans are always thrilled to see her win new fans. Feel free to visit Diana’s fansite, DianaD.com. 🙂
I’ll bet she’s tickled pink to have Gretchen writing a song for her.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for revisiting my site. And thanks, too, for the fansite web address. I will definitely check it out. I don’t mind telling you, I was really impressed with Diana. E-mail me sometime. Look forward to hearing from you.
Country
Country, did you watch Gone Country? With meeting both Diana and Maureen now, I wondered if you thought they were portrayed accurately on Gone Country compared to how they are in real life, or whether there was a bit of a disconnect. I know reality TV is supposed to portray reality, but you never know with editing sometimes whether you’re getting the whole story. I thought they both came off as sweet women on the show, but I guess I’m just wondering if you were surprised by how nice they were comparatively?
Aw, that was such a good read. I’ve never had the chance to meet Diana but I’m pretty sure she’s very graceful and sweet to everyone. I can’t wait for her album, I hope Dolly writes a song for her too, that would be amazinggg.
Hi Jackie, I just sent you an e-mail with my thoughts on the reality show “Gone Country”. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, I didn’t get to see every episode – but I had a few thoughts about those I saw and sent them on to yo u.
Have a great day,
Country
Great article and pictures on Diana Degarmo. Enjoyed hearing about her plans for her new album. It will be great with songs written by John Rich and Gretchen Wilson.
Hope that Diana DeGarmo does get to collaborate on a song with Dolly Parton. The song would be a huge hit.
This must have been a great day at Dollywood.
Jason,
Thanks for taking the time to post a commment – great hearing from you! Glad you enjoyed the Dollywood post and the info on Diana. Keep checking back, whenever I get anything new I’ll put it on the blog for Diana’s fans.
Country