The Grand Ole Opry will host a formal tribute to the late Dolly Parton on Saturday, Aug. 29, honoring the iconic Opry member of nearly 60 years. Fans in attendance Aug. 25 witnessed a series of in-the-moment tributes, just hours after she died at 80.
In a statement to The Tennessean, Parton's representatives said the singer died "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer."
With the American and Tennessee flags flying at half staff outside the Opry House Aug. 25, Opry member Rhonda Vincent began the bittersweet show with the simple greeting, "This is for Dolly," before launching into a bluegrass rendition of "Coat of Many Colors."
Vincent, who told the crowd Parton had sought her out as a singing partner when she was an aspiring artist, said in a statement earlier in the day, "It would take a lifetime to express the love and gratitude I have for Dolly Parton. She was a true friend and mentor, even making a trip from Nashville to Greentop, Missouri, when I had a life-threatening illness."
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Opry announcer Charlie Mattos noted how Parton's impact will be felt all around the world.
"No doubt Dolly's mark on the world and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry will be deeply felt for generations to come," Mattos said. "She taught us to always lead with kindness, with generosity, with compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired."
Before the show, fans snapped selfies with a large video screen displaying a black-and-white memorial photo of Parton. Veterans Alexandria Dean and Paula Kemp of Murfreesboro said they heard about Parton's passing and picked up tickets to the night's show, wanting to see what would happen. They were fans of the Tennessee native for many reasons, including for all she did to empower women.
"I think she was a trailblazer for a lot of women's issues," Kemp said.
"I like her uniqueness and that she wasn't afraid to take the stands that she felt and believed in," said Dean. "And it gave place for a lot of women to feel that way."
The mood inside the Opry was warm and jovial, if a little more subdued than normal. Even so, the show had to go on.
Fred LaBour, known as Too Slim in the Opry band Riders in the Sky, shared memories of meeting Parton for the first time in 1972. He said he was starstruck. Vincent returned later in the show to perform "9 to 5" and "Jolene."
Elsewhere, emerging artists like Southern rocker Will Mosley made an appearance, and Minnesota native Anna Graves made her Opry debut, continuing a legacy Parton was a central figure in. The Whites spoke of Parton's faith, and Clay Walker, the 90s country star who is battling multiple sclerosis, capped the night with a nostalgic batch of his own hits and a cover of Prince's "Purple Rain."
But it was effervescent singer-songwriter Morgan Myles who hit the night's highest note of remembrance.
Calling Parton a "lighthouse" to all female country artists, Myles said she had been crying all day. She praised the Country Music Hall of Fame member for her "heart, her authenticity, her genuine kindness," and noted Parton gave women in music permission to show a little attitude.
"Because every good, God-fearing woman deserves an unhinged moment," she said.
Myles then launched into a solo acoustic rendition of Parton's "I Will Always Love You," as it was made famous by Whitney Houston. Famously challenging to sing, Myles hit every note with graceful soul and octave-jumping vocal power, bringing the audience to its feet in a standing ovation that felt like an emotional release. It was the moment the crowd needed, and a fitting way to end the day country music lost one of its greatest artists.
"Every member of the Grand Ole Opry family has a Dolly story, as does everyone around the world who was ever in her orbit,” Dan Rogers, senior vice president and executive producer of the Grand Ole Opry, said in a statement after the show. “That’s just one of the things that made her so special. For more than 50 years as an Opry member, she used her talent and success to bring sheer joy to millions. To every artist, she provided inspiration beyond measure. To every fan, she connected in a way that made each of us feel like the most important person in the room. Her impact will live on forever as we all carry forward the kindness, compassion and generosity she shared throughout her life. Dolly always knew exactly what to say. I’m afraid the best I have on this terribly sad day is a genuine, heartfelt, 'Thank you for everything, Dolly. We sure do love you.'”
Carly Pearce will take part in the Grand Ole Opry's tribute to Parton on Aug. 29, along with Molly Tuttle, Kathy Mattea and others.
