Jack White Honors Dolly Parton with Live 'Jolene' Rendition in London
During his concert at London's Eventim Apollo on Tuesday night, Jack White performed a cover of Dolly Parton's classic hit 'Jolene' as a tribute following the country legend's death. He later posted a video of the emotional performance on Instagram, where he pointed to the sky and made the sign of the cross at the end. White had not played the song live since 2007, though his former band the White Stripes had previously recorded a version as a B-side in 2000.
White’s tribute came nearly two decades after his last live performance of the song, though the White Stripes’ 2000 B-side version had long been a fan favorite. Parton herself had praised that rendition in a 2016 interview, calling it one of the greatest ever and expressing interest in a future collaboration with White, which never materialized. The London show marked a rare, deeply personal moment, with White’s onstage gesture—pointing skyward and crossing himself—underscoring the weight of the loss for a musician who clearly revered her.
The cover also highlights Parton’s cross-genre influence, bridging punk, rock, and country audiences. White’s decision to revive the song only in her memory suggests how her legacy continues to inspire artists across generations, even those who never worked with her directly.
This tribute could resonate widely, reinforcing Parton’s status as a unifying cultural figure whose music transcends genre boundaries. Fans of both White and Parton may find common ground, potentially boosting streams of the original and the cover. For younger audiences, the moment may serve as an entry point to Parton’s catalog, while for older listeners it underscores the emotional weight of losing an icon. Such public gestures could also encourage other artists to honor her legacy, shaping how her influence is remembered in the coming years.