Dolly Parton Honored at Grand Ole Opry Tribute
NASHVILLE — Carly Pearce and Jelly Roll capped a night of remembrance at the Grand Ole Opry’s tribute to Dolly Parton on Saturday, Aug. 29, with heartfelt performances and a finale that brought the crowd together.
The event came days after Parton died on Aug. 25 at age 80 after an undisclosed battle with cancer. A sold-out crowd gathered to celebrate the country icon’s life and music.
Pearce performed Parton’s “Those Memories of You,” a track Parton recorded with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. She was celebrating five years of Opry membership and later returned to channel aspects of Parton’s humor, independence and Appalachian roots.
Jelly Roll also took part, appearing during the chorus of “9 to 5,” one of Parton’s most recognizable songs.
Dan Rogers, Opry senior vice president and executive producer, described Parton as “the most beloved human being in the world.” He noted her influence extended beyond music, citing the children who received books through her Imagination Library.
Fans arrived dressed in celebration, brought flowers and shared personal messages. A letter-writing station inside the venue allowed attendees to express their love. Jennifer Hancock of Nolensville, Tennessee, said the tribute was her best chance to publicly remember a hero.
Between performances, videos highlighted Parton’s long history with the Opry. The tribute concluded with Parton singing “I Will Always Love You” through a video of her 50th Opry anniversary performance. In the recording, she said: “It's been a wonderful life for me and I appreciate all of you, and this song kind of sums up how I feel about you. So thank you so much, and I will always love you.”
Other performers included Molly Tuttle, Dan Tyminski, Channing Wilson, Kathy Mattea and T. Graham Brown. Belle Frantz made her Opry debut, and Parton’s niece Jada Star performed her original tune “The Orchard.”
The tribute lineup was booked before Parton’s death.