John Daly Joins Larry Fleet on Stage To Celebrate Career of Dean Dillon With Performance of “Don’t Cry Darlin”

Although producing albums like Slick Nickel and I’ve Learned to Live, Dean Dillon also helped fashion songs for Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Keith Whitley, and even George Strait. For nearly 50 years, the country musician shared his love for the genre with fans and fellow singers. In 2002, he found himself inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2020, he landed a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame. While many singers have honored Dillon over the years, recently, pro golfer John Daly decided to join Larry Fleet on stage to perform a song Dillion helped write.

While many know Daly for crushing golf balls and beers, he is also a fan of country music. Although a fan of the genre, it appeared that he was no stranger to the stage. Able to play and perform, the golfer felt at home when he and Fleet covered the hit song “Don’t Cry Darlin.” Fans loved the performance as many learned the wide range of talents of Daly. Seeming to be a master of anything he does, the performance quickly made its way online.

@chelsearaegwin

@Larry Fleet && John Daly killin it in stage for the #deandillon tribute show #deandillontribute #concert #country #duo #johndaly #jd #larryfleet

♬ original sound – Chelsea Rae Gwin

[RELATED: Dean Dillon Honored with Tennessee Music Pathways Marker in Hometown]

Dean Dillon Got The Chance To Work With Lainey Wilson

As for Dillon, he discussed his decades in music and how he continues to work. Having the chance to work with greats like Strait, Dillon insisted he never thought of himself as a person who would be honored with a tribute show. “I never felt like I was worthy of something like that. But on the other hand, God’s been good, man. He’s blessed me beyond imagination, brother. Beyond imagination.”

At the age of 69, Dillon continues to work with stars like Miranda Lambert. When asked about the future, the famed songwriter said, “I’ve written a couple things with Lainey [Wilson]. Nothing’s popped yet, but I hope we get that opportunity again. Jelly Roll gave me his number — we just hadn’t hooked up yet. I think it’s out there. But I’ve had like 16,17 cuts here in the last six months on some people. And, you know, I got back in the game for a little while and then lo and behold, about a month ago, I retired.”

While Dillon loved his career in country music, he insisted, “I’ve kind of winded it down, man. I’ve done this all my life. It’s time I sit back and watch my daughter [Jessie Jo Dillon, a Grammy-nominated songwriter] because she is ripping and tearing, and I just love that.”

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)