Fan's chance encounter with big country star in downtown Missoula

An enthusiastic listener shared with us an exciting evening that she will not soon forget.

And who could blame her for being over the moon? During my career as a country music host, I've had the chance to go behind the scenes and meet some of the biggest names in the industry, from Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood to Reba and Brooks and Dunn to Alan Jackson… but going behind the scenes is one thing. Being blown away by the presence of a superstar who just happens to be having dinner at the same time and place as you? That's awesome!

Kymberlee Bouldin was kind enough to share some of the photos she and her companions took with Wynonna Judd, who happened to be in town and had dinner at 1889 in downtown Missoula on Monday night, September 23. She had performed a concert in Billings a few nights earlier and was between performances before her next gig the next night in Idaho Falls. Kymberlee tells us they had some relaxation time at the Top Hat the night before.

It must be nerve-racking to approach someone you're a huge fan of and not know how they're going to react. I've met a lot of them and done a few interviews, including with Wynonna more years ago than I can remember when she came to Missoula to open for Clint Black on the Black and Wy tour. But that was all prearranged. The whole “Excuse me, I don't want to bother you, but…” is a totally different encounter.

Kymberlee said Wynonna, who was with her husband Cactus Moser, couldn't have been more kind, engaging and generous with her time. I share Kymberlee's opinion of Wy. Even though it was just a phone interview, she was very outgoing and gave me as much time as I wanted to talk.

A great night for Kymberlee and Co. that we won’t soon forget!