Jack White Pays Live Tribute to Dolly Parton With 'Jolene' in London
Hours after Dolly Parton's death, Jack White performed a cover of 'Jolene' at his London show. He shared a clip on Instagram and also posted a tribute with a 1965 photo of Parton. The White Stripes had previously released their own version of the song in 2000 and 2004.
White’s London performance came just hours after Parton’s death was announced, with the rocker opening his cover with a line that underscored her enduring legacy. His Instagram tribute featured a 1965 portrait of Parton, captioned “Instant Sainthood,” while a separate clip captured the live moment. The White Stripes’ connection to “Jolene” dates back to 2000, when they released it as a B-side, and a 2004 live single reached No. 16 on the UK Singles chart. Parton’s original topped Hot Country Songs in 1974, and later covers included Beyoncé’s 2024 interpolation and a Pentatonix collaboration featuring Parton herself.
This tribute may resonate widely, as White’s rock audience intersects with Parton’s country fanbase, potentially bridging generational and genre divides in mourning. The rapid public response from a major artist could amplify collective remembrance, while the song’s history of covers underscores Parton’s cross-genre influence. Such moments may reinforce how cultural icons are honored through reinterpretation, offering fans a shared emotional touchpoint during a public loss.