Nicole Lewis, left, a La Grande High School graduate, smiles alongside music legend Dolly Parton in Nashville, Tennessee.

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 that due to the generosity and understanding of Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton and the superstar’s producer, Kent Wells, she will be allowed to contribute to 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 miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Wells, who is also Lewis’ producer, called her on Feb. 7 and asked 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, however, couldn’t come to Nashville because she was expecting a child and her due date was less than a week away. She called back the next day and asked if she could record her track in the studio of her home instead, and Wells said yes. Lewis was sent a soundtrack and she laid down the 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 in Spokane.

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, built, was done days after their son, Boone, was born.

Millions of people may be hearing Lewis’ background vocals on “Rockstar,” which was released Nov. 17. Lewis first heard the final “Night Moves” recording 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 the album 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,” Lewis said.

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

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