Honestly, I’d do the exact same. Every artist has a story about how they got to where they are today, and many folks include working with or for more established artists in the industry. While most people have a mentor they can thank, Ashley McBryde has a very special woman whom she worked for and learned from long before she was writing records and selling out shows. In her early days in Nashville, Ashley McBryde worked for none other than Dolly Parton. While she didn’t work for her for very long, and this was a good 20 years ago, there were a few memorable moments that Ashley recalled during a recent interview with BBC Radio 2, including saving Dolly Parton’s house from a fire. McBryde previously shared during an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show that Bagel Bites were the culprit of the microwave catching on fire. Nonetheless, the microwave went up in flames. She says she grabbed it with a bear hug and ran it out the door, because Dolly’s house was going through a remodel at the time, and Ashley knew the smoke would only make that much more work for everyone. View this post on Instagram While I am sure a young McBryde was worried that she might no longer have a job after that incident, she sprang into action and made sure that the house and, most importantly, the Queen of country music were safe after that incident. Of course, McBryde made sure she was also safe from the fire, but it sounds like she was more worried about her boss and her belongings than her personal well-being. McBryde also shared that Dolly Parton gave her a special item during her time working for her that she kept hold of for decades after. And it might not be what you’d imagine. Dolly Parton gave Ashley McBryde a tub of ChapStick that she treasured for nearly 20 years. “She also gave me a tube of ChapStick that I had for, I don’t know, probably 20 years after that.” Naturally, like any country music fan, she cherished the item that Dolly gave her, revealing that the ChapStick became a good luck charm for her and she used it very sparingly in the years to come. “I would only use it on special occasions. I got to use my Dolly Parton ChapStick.” Can you blame her? I’d do the exact same thing. I wonder if Dolly Parton knows that a tube of ChapStick turned into such a sentimental item for her former employee. Who knows, maybe that ChapStick carried some voodoo powers that set up McBryde for the incredible career she has today. Regardless, this story is a prime example of never forgetting your humble beginnings. A job that she had when she first moved to Nashville is now a huge flex for the “Water in the River” singer. Check out the entire interview while you’re here: Ashley just released her phenomenal new album Wild, and you can check out some of the standouts below. “Bottle Tells Me So” “Hand Me Downs” Ashley McBryde Tour Dates June 11 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall June 12 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort and Spa June 19 – Rockton, IL – Settler’s Park June 25 – Belfast, UK – Custom House Square Belfast June 27 – London, UK – Hyde Park July 3 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Stampede July 9 – Deerfield, MA – Tree House Brewing Company July 10 – Bar Harbor, ME – 1932 Criterion Theatre July 11 – Cavendish, PE – Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 17 – Colorado Springs, CO – Phil Long Music Hall July 18 – Gypsum, CO – Lundgren Amphitheater July 24 – Larchwood, IA – Grand Falls Casino Resort Event Center July 30 – West Fargo, ND – The Lights Amphitheater July 31 – Plymouth, MN – Hilde Performance CenterThe post Ashley McBryde Kept A ChapStick Dolly Parton Gave Her For 20 Years: “Only Use It On Special Occasions” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.