Nicole Lewis, who grew up in La Grande, once opened for a Dolly Parton concert.

LA GRANDE — The date is Feb. 8 and Nicole Lewis, a musician with deep La Grande roots, is on the verge of tears. 

Lewis has just learned the generosity and understanding of Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton and the superstar’s producer, Kent Wells, will allow her to sing on a song on Parton’s latest album “Rockstar.”

“I cried grateful tears,’’ said Lewis, who grew up in La Grande.

A day earlier Lewis, who lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, feared that she might have to say no to a once in a lifetime opportunity. Wells, who is also Lewis’s producer, called her on Feb. 7 and asked her if she could fly to Nashville, Tennessee, in about two days to sing for a recording session for Rockstar. Wells wanted her to provide background vocals for the song “Night Moves.”

The offer did not surprise Lewis because Wells is also Parton’s producer. She and Parton had met several times at recording sessions in Nashville as a result.

Wells and Parton had told Lewis earlier that they would like her to sing for a part on Rockstar.

Lewis had decided she could not come to Nashville because she was expecting and her due date was less than a week away. She called back the next day though and asked if she could record her track in the studio of her home instead. Wells said yes and Lewis was sent a soundtrack and Lewis laid down backing vocals. 

“I was so thankful for the opportunity,” said Lewis, a 2004 graduate of La Grande High School and 2008 graduate of Gonzaga University. 

She recorded her part while tracks from the album sung by Parton and Bob Seger were playing. Seger first recorded the song in 1976.

The recording, made in a studio Nicole Lewis’s husband, Daryl, made, was made days after their son, Boone, was born.

Millions of people may soon be hearing Lewis’s background vocals for Rockstar since the album was released Friday, Nov. 17. Lewis first heard Night Moves cut from Rockstar on Nov. 16

“It was so cool to hear it. It feels like we are in the same room together even though I am way in the background,’’ said Lewis, the daughter of Brent and Susan Lewis, of La Grande.

Much of Rockstar is a collection of hit rock songs Parton made with the artists who made them famous.

Lewis believes Rockstar is one of the most impressive records Parton has made.

“She really stretched her voice for some of the songs,” she said.

Lewis, who is also a physical therapist, has met Parton about three times. She describes her as a delightful person.

“She is witty and kind and is always asking about other people,” she said.

Parton is a source of inspiration to many because she rose from a poor background and now wants to give back, Lewis said. Parton does so through programs like her Imagination Library reading program, which provides books for children everywhere.

“She loves to share, whether it is compliments, kindness or resources,” Lewis said.