In June of this year, my dad and I went to see Porter Wagoner and Marty Stuart when they performed at Safari Sam's. I knew my dad would love Marty Stuart (I'm a little obsessed with him myself - one of the greatest moments of my life was getting to touch his hair), and at 80 years old, I knew this might be one of the last opportunities I'd have to see him perform.
Turns out, it was.
On Sunday night, Porter, who'd earlier been admitted Alive Hospice in Nashville after being diagnosed with lung cancer, passed away.
Porter had released his final CD, Wagonmaster, earlier this year. It was produced by Marty Stuart.
Porter was definitely showing signs of aging at June's show; he couldn't remember the words to several of his classic songs, and had trouble seeing the lyrics before him. Nonetheless, Marty and Kenny Vaughan, and the audience gentley helped him through. Especially touching was his rendition of "Green, Green Grass of Home," during which Porter was accompanied by the entire audience.
And now, Porter really is home.