Dolly Parton Receives Star-Studded Tribute at Grand Ole Opry!
The Grand Ole Opry honored the late country icon Dolly Parton with a star-studded tribute concert on August 29. Artists like Carly Pearce and Jelly Roll celebrated Parton's enduring legacy and her deep connection to the Opry, with proceeds benefiting her Imagination Library.
The legendary Grand Ole Opry held a heartfelt tribute on Saturday, August 29, remembering the iconic Dolly Parton. The Nashville landmark brought together a constellation of country music stars, including Carly Pearce and Jelly Roll, to celebrate the profound life and enduring legacy of the late country music icon, who passed away on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer. The Opry’s marquee was illuminated with a message honoring the Queen of Country, signaling the deep reverence held for her.
In a touching Instagram post, the Opry eloquently captured Parton's immense impact, stating, “There are artists who make country music. And then there are artists who become part of its very heart. That’s Dolly Parton.” The institution extended its gratitude, adding, “Dolly, thank you for making the Opry, and country music, richer, brighter and unmistakably your own. You will forever be a cherished member of our Opry family.” Parton, who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1969, maintained her membership for over five decades, cementing her status as an integral part of its history.
The sold-out tribute commenced with a moving performance by Carly Pearce, who has a special connection to Parton, having launched her career at Parton’s Dollywood theme park. Pearce, whom Parton personally invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 2021, opened the show with "Those Memories of You." According to Rolling Stone, Pearce shared with the audience, “It only feels right that I get to honor the queen tonight. Dolly, we love you.”
The evening was filled with numerous memorable performances, each artist paying homage to Parton's extensive discography. Kathy Mattea delivered a poignant rendition of "Jolene," while Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle collaborated on "Just Someone I Used to Know." Channing Wilson contributed with "My Tennessee Mountain Home," and Parton’s niece, Jada Star, performed "The Orchard." The program also featured appearances by Belle Frantz, Dan Tyminski, T. Graham Brown, and the spirited Opry Square Dancers, ensuring a diverse and rich celebration of Parton's influence.
The emotional concert culminated in a powerful rendition of "9 to 5," performed by the Opry musicians who gathered onstage, featuring a surprise appearance from Jelly Roll. Throughout the event, video clips from Parton’s past performances were interspersed, offering nostalgic glimpses of her storied career. The tribute concluded with the assembled musicians watching on a large screen as the beloved singer-songwriter herself performed "I Will Always Love You," a truly fitting end to an evening dedicated to her indelible mark on music.
Beyond the musical celebration, a significant portion of the proceeds from the performance will be donated to Parton’s Imagination Library. This renowned literacy program provides free books to children worldwide, reflecting Parton’s lifelong commitment to education and philanthropy, a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.