Dolly Parton said Monday she feels like a part of her died along with her old duet partner, Porter Wagoner.

"Part of him will always live through me and my music as he was my first big break," Parton said.

Parton said she was able to visit Wagoner before he passed. She said she was there with his family, sang for him and prayed with him.

"It felt good that I had the opportunity to say goodbye properly," Parton said.

Wagoner and Parton shared a number of duets in the '60s after Parton broke it big following a stint on his show. Parton says her mega-hit "I Will Always Love You" was wrote to Wagoner.

Porter Wagoner, 80, will be laid to rest Thursday after a funeral at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

Labels: Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner