THE STATS
Name: George Larson
Age: 46
Relationship status: Single
Hometown: Chicago
Neighborhood: Rogers Park
Hobbies: Watching Dolly videos
Favorite food: Mediterranean (he’s vegetarian)
Favorite movie: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
George Larson may be the ultimate Dolly Parton fan in Chicago. He has a wealth of knowledge about her as well as being a “Dolly-ite” in her fan club. His home is adorned with framed posters, pictures and all of her albums. He has seen her nine times in concert and plans on going again when she tours this summer. He has followed her for more than 35 years and until Jan.19, 2011 he had never met her. He began his day showing us his collection of Dolly knick-knacks in his residence on the North Side. All day he worked downtown as a bartender at McCormick & Schmick’s, the seafood restaurant located at 1 E. Wacker, where he makes all the drinks from scratch. After a quick change it was time to hit the red carpet for the musical 9 to 5. Ms. Parton arrived and he was able to wish her a happy birthday and she shook his hand. Hardly recovering from that moment, he attended the upstairs reception where he was able to talk more with his icon, tell her that he loved her and she promptly replied, “Well, I love you too.” A quick picture was snapped and the singer requested another, saying, “I wasn’t ready yet.” Hardly able to breathe, he said, “Goodbye, Dolly” and landed in his seat to enjoy the show. Afterwards, drinks were had at the local bar Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan, to relax and unwind from his long day. Text and PHOTOS by Jerry Nunn