In what was meant to be a celebratory tribute to Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Elle King’s performance took an unexpected and controversial turn. The evening, intended to honor the queen of country music, instead became the center of attention due to King’s messy, expletive-filled performance.
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A Messy Tribute Unfolds
Elle King, the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider and known for her 2015 hit “Ex’s and Oh’s,” joined fellow country singers Ashley Monroe and Terri Clark for the tribute at the historic country music venue. However, videos from her time on stage captured a performance that left much to be desired. King struggled to recall Dolly Parton’s lyrics, openly admitting, “This shit is f**king fast, how’d Dolly sing this shit?”
As the performance continued, King abandoned attempts to remember the lyrics to “Marry Me,” expressing frustration and confusion. She even declared, “I don’t know the lyrics, don’t tell Dolly ’cause it’s her birthday.” The singer’s slurred commentary, including remarks about the audience’s ticket purchases, left attendees and online viewers shocked.
Audience Outrage and Criticism
Attendees expressed their displeasure with Elle King’s performance, citing excessive profanity and inappropriate behavior, particularly considering the presence of young children in the audience. The singer’s apparent lack of respect for the occasion and her decision to perform one of her own songs further fueled the discontent.
Stella Parton, one of Dolly Parton’s sisters, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m still stewing and thinking bout how any lil spoiled brat with an opportunity to sing on the Opry to pay tribute to a legendary songwriter like Dolly Parton would just piss on the star circle on the stage.”
Grand Ole Opry Apologizes for the Fiasco
In response to the growing backlash, the Grand Ole Opry issued an apology for Elle King’s performance. The venue acknowledged the inappropriate language used during the tribute and expressed regret for the unpleasant experience some attendees had endured.
Following the incident, fans took to social media platforms to voice their outrage and disappointment. One fan on X shared, “Elle King ruined the night with her horrible, drunk, and profane performance. Dolly Parton would’ve been mortified.” Another user criticized the performance as a “lackluster karaoke performer wasted out of their minds.”
No Response from Elle King or Dolly Parton
As of now, Elle King has not released any statement addressing the controversy surrounding her performance. Neither Dolly Parton nor Elle King has responded to requests for comments on the incident. However, the incident has ignited discussions about appropriate behavior and respect during tribute events.
Elle King has been known to embrace edgier personas during her performances. In a previous interview, she acknowledged performing both drunk and sober, noting the difference in experience. While she enjoys the liquid courage of alcohol, she has expressed a desire to maintain control and reduce her level of intoxication during performances.
Conclusion: A Birthday Celebration Overshadowed
What was intended to be a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton’s birthday turned into a headline-making controversy due to Elle King’s unconventional and problematic performance. The incident raises questions about the expectations and responsibilities of artists when participating in tribute events, especially on prestigious stages like the Grand Ole Opry. The aftermath leaves fans, critics, and the country music community awaiting any response from the key players involved.