The Cheat Sheet

Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and ‘Pretty Paper’: The Sadly True Christmastime Story Behind the Song

In his book, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Nelson discusses the song and its origins on the streets of Fort Worth, Texas, long before he sang it with friend, and nothing more, Parton. “In Fort ...
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Here’s the story on Willie Nelson’s ‘Pretty Paper.’ It’s real. And it was in Fort Worth

Adapted from columns Dec. 25, 2004; Dec. 24, 2010; and Dec. 24, 2016. The mystery of Fort Worth’s Christmas song is solved. It took help from readers in Palo Pinto County, plus one surprised family ...
Dallas Observer

Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons

If you’re like us, you’re a procrastinator who sat out on the traditional day-after-Thanksgiving holiday shopping spree known as Black Friday. Your idea of Black Friday is Christmas Eve, which this ...
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Willie Nelson’s sad ‘Pretty Paper’ is a real story. And it’s set in downtown Fort Worth

Adapted from columns Dec. 25, 2004; Dec. 24, 2010; and Dec. 24, 2016. The mystery of Fort Worth’s Christmas song is solved. It took help from readers in Palo Pinto County, plus one surprised family ...