Dedicated Dierks Bentley Congress Member Dies

 

Anyone who ever experienced Dierks Bentley's Miles and Music For Kids charity event, probably met his number one fan--Laura Parrish.  She never missed seeing Dierks at Ricky Kelley's Harley Davidson of Columbia where Dierks would lead thousands of motorcycles on a trek to downtown Nashville, to then perform for thousands more.

That's where I met Laura and her husband Scotty.  They were the sweetest couple you will ever meet.  I knew every year I would see them waiting patiently for their turn to get a quick hug and photo with Dierks at the Harley dealership. 

This was Laura's annual chance to personally deliver the gifts and "awards" she had hand-made for Dierks and his kids.  She always had a smile on her face and would beam with pride when she'd show me what she made.  "Do you think he'll like it?" she would ask, and of course I would reply, "I know he will since it came from you!"

But Dierks was never in a hurry when he saw Laura.  He spent quality time with her and showed so much gratitude and love for his number one fan.

A dedicated member of the DB Congress, Laura was very active on social media, consistently messaging and posting to us on Facebook and emailing Dierk's team, excitedly sharing the details of the gifts she created and was sending to Dierks for this holiday or that awards show--without fail.

But there won't be any more gifts or meet and greets for Laura.  Sadly, she died Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Dierks and his manager, Mary posted the sad news on Instagram:

Our Sweet friend and Dierks' #1 fan Laura Parrish passed award today.  The intense love and devotion she gave all of us is like nothing I've ever experienced.  I feel so lucky to have been part of her joy.  Opening night of summer tour is dedicated to you!!  Rest peacefully, my friend.
- Mary Hilliard Harrington

My number 1 fan passed away the other day.  We were actually her biggest fans too.  Love you Laura Parrish!  Wish I could be at the service today in Columbia TN.
- Dierks Bentley

Condolences and flowers were sent to the service today on behalf of her fellow DB Congress reps:

In Loving Memory of our friend and
Dierks Bentley Congress (fan club)
loyal and dedicated TN member,
Laura Parrish.
Rest in Peace-we'll miss you! 
Our thoughts & prayers are with Scotty & the family.

Your fellow DB Congress Reps

Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair (FL)

Dierks Bentley Flies High With Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority

There's no doubt some 737s are rocking like a G6 in Nashville this week!

Dierks Bentley has been selected to join the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners as Industry/Commerce/Finance representative. This is a volunteer position.

“As a widely-acclaimed country music artist, he brings unique experience and expertise regarding the entertainment industry, tourism and business. And he's a licensed pilot as well," said Rob Wigington, MNAA president and CEO.

With award-winning hit song, Drunk on a Plane, this appointment might sound humorously ironic, but when listening to the words, “Buyin’ drinks for everybody but the pilot …” it’s clear he’s responsible in the cockpit.

“I love Nashville and I love aviation,” he said in a recent interview about this appointment. “There are many big changes happening in our city right now as it continues to grow so rapidly. I am very excited to get a chance to be involved in facilitating and managing that growth as it pertains to our airports and aviation services.”

Dierks will help manage the $1.2 billion capital investment in the MNAA facilities “while working to make [the] airport a true international hub for commerce and tourism.”

Being a pilot is as much as part of Dierks’ life as is country music.

In a recent iHeart podcast with Bobby Bones, Dierks defines becoming a pilot as a manifestation over the years, the fulfillment of a dream that began when he was 19.

“I want to be the pilot, not a passenger,” he says.

If the band is on tour, they all fly with Dierks in the pilot seat. This has saved precious time the band treasures with their families.

“When we walk on stage, [the band is] in a great mood," he says. "Their families are happy; their wives are in good spirits; and they got to be with their kids that morning. When we get onto the stage, it makes for a better show for us, for our fans. … At this point in my career, they go hand-in-hand.”

As a Nashville resident and frequent flyer in the area, Dierks will bring a unique voice to the table, all with the focus of keeping families in the forefront. This perspective will no doubt bring high-impact opportunities to the MNAA.

Photos from @DierksBentley Facebook page.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe