Grand Ole Opry Apologizes After Elle King’s Drunken Dolly Parton Tribute
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What was supposed to be a birthday celebration for Dolly Parton turned into a fiasco after a drunk Elle King took the stage.
“Opry Goes Dolly” took place Friday evening (Jan. 19) at the historic Ryman Auditorium in honor of the singer’s 78th birthday. The star-studded lineup included Terri Clark, Tigirlily, Ashley Monroe and more. But, it was Elle King’s performance that has everyone talking…and concerned.
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Shortly after taking the stage, the 34-year-old introduced herself and told the crowd that she was “f-ing hammered.” She continued with profanity-laced dialogue before attempting to sing Dolly’s 2001 hit, “Marry Me.” King then changed the lyrics to the song, instead singing “I don’t give a s***” and “I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this f-ing town … Don’t tell Dolly ‘cause it’s her birthday.”
Elle King, apparently seeing the crowd’s shocked response, told them, “You ain’t getting your money back.”
A bandmate of King’s kindly suggested that she sing one of her own songs instead of the Dolly Parton cover. King responded by saying, “I can barely play another person’s song, let me see if I can play one of mine.”
Fans Respond To Elle King’s “Disgraceful” Performance
As video of Elle King’s performance circulated online, fans responded with both shock and concern. Many called her performance “disrespectful” and “a disgrace.” Others shared that they hope she can get help.
The Grand Old Opry Apologizes
In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) in response to a fans complaint, the Grand Ole Opry issued an apology saying, “We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.”
Hi Judas, we deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) January 20, 2024
See a clip from Elle King’s Grand Ole Opry performance in the video below. (Viewer discretion advised due to profanity.)
