Dolly PartonThe Grand Ole Opry was home to a tribute for country music icon Dolly Parton on Saturday (29 August), with numerous singers honouring her live on stage.
The Opry’s regularly scheduled Saturday show was dedicated to Parton, with Carly Pearce, Jelly Roll and others paying tribute. Dolly Parton was inducted into the renowned country music institution in 1969 and remained a member for five decades.
Billboard reports that Carly Pearce launched into the Saturday show by performing Those Memories of You. Throughout the evening, Kathy Mattea performed Jolene, Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle showcased Just Someone I Used to Know, Channing Wilson sang My Tennessee Mountain Home, and Parton’s niece, Jada Star, delivered The Orchard.
Jelly Roll made a surprise appearance towards the end of the tribute concert, joining Opry musicians on stage for a stirring rendition of 9 to 5.
Billboard notes that other performers, such as Belle Frantz, Dan Tyminski, T. Graham Brown and the Opry Square Dancers, appeared on stage that night.
Sharing photos from the concert on social media, the Grand Ole Opry account captioned the post: “There are artists who make country music. And then there are artists who become part of its very heart. That’s Dolly Parton.
“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.”
A portion of proceeds from the Grand Ole Opry tribute will be donated to the Imagination Library, the literacy program started by Parton that continues to provide free books to children.
Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, 25 August, following a “brief battle” with cancer, her representatives confirmed. She was 80.
Parton leaves behind a legacy of music, philanthropy, and acting – see some of the tributes for the beloved country icon here.
