The Grand Ole Opry will host a special tribute show to honor Dolly Parton’s life and contributions to country music. The event is scheduled to take place Saturday evening in Nashville, Tennessee. Performers at the tribute include Carly Pearce, Channing Wilson, Kathy Mattea, Molly Tuttle, Dan Tyminski, T. Graham Brown, and Belle Frantz. The show will be streamed live on the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Fans can also follow along through Circle Country, RFD-TV, and WSM radio. The tribute is dedicated to Parton’s memory and will also benefit her Imagination Library. Parton’s connection to the Grand Ole Opry runs deep, as she was inducted in 1969. She became a member of the Opry after years of performing and building her career. The tribute will also feature storytelling and music from artists who knew Parton personally. Carly Pearce has a close relationship with Parton, as she was inspired by her early in her career. Other artists have also paid tribute to her, including Brad Paisley, who performed a duet with her at his first concert after her passing.
Kacey Musgraves also honored Parton during a recent Boston show by performing her song “Here You Come Again.” Musgraves dedicated her track “Rainbow” to Parton during the performance, according to Rolling Stone. She explained that Parton inspired the song and brought it back for the tribute. Musgraves also referenced their shared performance at the 2019 Grammys, where they sang together. She expressed her sadness over Parton’s passing in a social media post, calling the world less bright without her.
The tribute will be held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, according to a report from justjared.com. It is expected to last about two hours with an intermission. The show will also feature the Opry Square Dancers and a special marquee display honoring Parton. Parton’s Imagination Library began as a local effort to give books to children in East Tennessee, Yahoo News reported. It has since grown into an international literacy program that distributes free books worldwide.
The tribute is meant to celebrate not only her music but also the joy she brought to millions over decades. She was known for her warmth, humor, and ability to connect with people through her music. The Grand Ole Opry described Parton as someone who brought happiness and inspiration to many.
Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The tribute is a way for fans and fellow artists to remember her impact on music and culture.
IMAGE: Estrella de Dolly Parton.. Photo: DominusVobiscum / Wikimedia, taken 2008-12-05, CC BY 2.0