Opry Stages Full Tribute to Dolly Parton with Star-Studded Performances
The Grand Ole Opry devoted its entire Saturday show to the music of Dolly Parton, who died at 80. Artists including Carly Pearce, Kathy Mattea, and Jelly Roll performed her songs, with proceeds going to Parton's Imagination Library.
The tribute opened with Carly Pearce, who joined the Opry in 2021 at Parton's personal invitation, performing "Those Memories of You." Pearce, a former Dollywood performer, addressed the queen directly before her rendition, setting an emotional tone for the evening.
The lineup spanned Parton's catalog, from Kathy Mattea's take on "Jolene" to Channing Wilson's "My Tennessee Mountain Home." Parton's niece Jada Star performed "The Orchard," and the night closed with a collective "9 to 5" featuring a surprise appearance by Jelly Roll. Throughout, archival clips of Parton's past Opry appearances played, ending with artists watching her perform "I Will Always Love You." All proceeds from the sold-out show went to Parton's Imagination Library.
This tribute could serve as a significant moment of collective mourning and celebration for country music fans, reinforcing Parton's enduring cultural influence across generations. The event's charitable component may boost the Imagination Library's reach, potentially expanding literacy support for young children. For the artists involved, participating in such a high-profile tribute could elevate their profiles while demonstrating the genre's capacity for honoring its legends.