Andrew Roman, one of our talented web producers on newsobserver.com, says to me, I have an idea. Out of one ear I heard the words "Jolene," "Irene," "audio slide show."  

I said something like, sure, whatever. I was distracted. 

Next thing I know, there's this great thing on our web site, lyrics by Andrew, vocals by staff editor Stacy Chandler, guitar by staff writer Tommy Goldsmith. Andrew put together the slideshow. Tommy produced the audio. I knew Tommy is an extremely talented musician but I did not know that Stacy could sing. 

Andrew says he's waiting to hear from Dolly Parton's lawyers, but I think it's covered under the fair use doctrine and she's cool anyway.

It's a struggle being creative in a weather crisis, speaking as an old newsy, because you're so focused on just covering the bases. So it's astonishing that people like Andrew, Tommy and Stacy could cook this up on short notice.