"One Of One": Ex-NBC Boss Robert Greenblatt Honors Dolly Parton After Icon's Passing

Former entertainment executive Robert Greenblatt is looking back on his long-standing friendship and creative alliance with country icon Dolly Parton following her death at age 80 on August 25. The veteran executive, who previously held top leadership roles at NBC, Showtime, and WarnerMedia, shared deeply personal memories honoring the global superstar's incredible legacy. Their professional journey together took off on Broadway, where Greenblatt served as a key producer on *9 to 5: The Musical*. Parton penned the original score for the stage adaptation, bringing her signature wit and songwriting brilliance to the theater production. The pair formed a tight bond during the show's development, establishing a creative partnership that extended far beyond the theater world and into network television. Their theatrical collaboration on *9 to 5* earned widespread attention for translating the beloved 1980 film into a full-scale stage musical. Parton's infectious tunes and Greenblatt's executive backing helped bring the story to audiences nationwide, cementing their status as a formidable team. ## Did Robert Greenblatt play piano for Dolly Parton? One of the most talked-about moments of their friendship unfolded eleven years ago during NBC's annual upfront presentation to advertisers. Stepping completely out of the standard corporate executive box, Greenblatt took a seat at the piano stage side to personally accompany Parton live in front of industry heavyweights. Together on stage, Greenblatt backed Parton as she delivered a breathtaking performance of her iconic classic ballad, "I Will Always Love You." The rare duet went down in upfront history as an unforgettable media event, pairing a top-tier network president directly with one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of all time. ## What did Robert Greenblatt say about Dolly Parton? Reflecting on their decades of shared history and mutual admiration, Greenblatt praised the legendary entertainer not just for her immense artistic catalog, but for her generous warmth and singular spirit. Honoring the impact she left on everyone around her, he captured her irreplaceable nature, noting that "God broke the mold after creating her." Parton's influence reached across country music, film, television, and Broadway, leaving an indelible mark on global entertainment culture. For Greenblatt, their shared projects and live on-stage collaboration remain defining highlights of his long career in showbiz.