Rising artist Demaree spoke about collaborating with Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton on “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
What inspires your music and songwriting?
Songwriting has always been therapeutic for me. Music has a way of cutting straight to the heart, helping me connect with my faith and process emotions, even the difficult ones.
My greatest desire is to use my music to encourage and bring healing to others. I truly believe pain isn’t wasted if it can be used to help someone else.
How did it feel to duet with Dolly Parton?
At 42, after a lifetime in the arts without really “making it,” this moment felt like an incredible victory validation from an artist and person I deeply admire. They say, “Don’t meet your heroes,” but she exceeded every expectation.
Dolly was incredibly supportive, encouraging, and kind.
How did that duet come about?
It truly felt like a miracle. My mom met Judy Ogle, Dolly’s lifelong best friend, and had known her about two years when they got to talking about me and my siblings and that I was a singer and songwriter.
Judy asked to listen to my music and sent a message through my mom to encourage me to keep going. Months later, at a birthday party, Judy played my original songs I had been working on, including my next release, “Deliver Me,” for Dolly who later sent word that she believed I had a gift.
Then came an even bigger miracle. On Christmas morning, feeling a bit down because I’m divorced and my kids were with their dad, Judy invited me over for lunch.
An hour in, the door creaked open, and I heard that unmistakable Dolly giggle. She was as legendary as I imagined yet as warm as family. We chatted about everything from her homemade orange fluff dessert to playing guitar with her long nails. She told me she truly enjoyed my music, and felt I had a God-given gift.
When my mom mentioned my dream of singing a duet with her, Dolly said, “Tell me all about it.” I shared my vision of an inter-generational duet full of cinematic strings.
I had recently Googled “You’ll Never Walk Alone” to see if she had ever recorded it and she had never recorded it. She paused, then said, “You’re right. I never have!”
Then, she asked when I was getting into the studio and said she’d love to be a part of it. That led to launching a GoFundMe, gathering the right people, and now the song is streaming everywhere. A true dream come true.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age?
I studied music business at Belmont University right when labels were scrambling to adjust to Napster and the shift to digital.
It’s amazing that artists now have platforms to share their music, but it’s also a bit overwhelming, the sheer volume of songs coming out on a daily basis.
It’s hard to stand out but also frustrating to see so many struggling to make a living. For independent artists, streaming provides one of the worst returns unless you’re able to tour or land placements.
I do miss the good old days when people bought full albums, listened to them on repeat, maybe learned to like a song after some time with it even if they didn’t love it first play and experienced the artists full vision.
Social media is a double-edged sword great for reaching people, but also overwhelming when competing with artists who have entire teams managing their strategy.
I love the connection aspect, but I limit my time online to protect my peace. That said, I do appreciate a good funny reel from friends and family!
What are your plans for the future?
I’m focused on being the best mom I can be while making space for music. Since I’m a single mom, survival comes first, so I rely on crowdfunding and fundraising to support my projects.
My next release, “Deliver Me,” comes out March 14th, and I’m continuing to build my album one song at a time. I’d love to book live gigs to share my story and songs.
What advice do you have for young, aspiring artists?
Someone once saw how the entertainment industry was wearing on me and said, “If there’s anything else you can happily do, do that.” I’d say the same to any young artist. Ask yourself: Can I live without this? If the answer is no, like it is for me, then find a way to do it.
Do it scared, do it broke; do it before you feel ready. Hone your craft, but never give up on the calling you feel. Whatever makes you come alive, make space for it. You never know when your Dolly moment will happen.
Were there any moments in your career that defined you?
Most of my big successes were as a child performer. After many auditions and rejections, I found an incredible, supportive community in Carole D’Andreas class in Los Angeles.
That helped me stay the course, and when I booked the role of Nessarose in Wicked as an adult, it validated everything I’d worked for and helped me believe in myself again.
What do you want listeners to take away from your duet with Dolly?
I chose this song to give people hope. I’ve been through difficult seasons — childhood traumas, career setbacks, divorce, and single motherhood but my faith kept me going.
Even in moments when I couldn’t see the light beyond the storm, I held on to Psalm 27:13: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
I want listeners to know they’re never truly alone. I want to share that there is hope in God that supersedes any struggle. I hold tight to this truth: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
I also encourage people to find community; no matter how unique your situation may seem, we all share common struggles. As the song says, you’ll never walk alone.
The Demaree and Dolly Parton duet of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Demaree and her new music, follow her on Instagram.
