The Grand Ole Opry is preparing a special farewell for Dolly Parton, dedicating its entire Saturday night show to the country music legend following her death.
The Opry says the weekend performance will celebrate Parton’s life, legacy and enormous contributions to country music, with Carly Pearce among the artists scheduled to take the stage.
Pearce’s appearance carries an especially personal connection to Parton. She got her start performing at Dollywood, Parton’s Tennessee theme park, before Dolly surprised her in 2021 with an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The tribute comes after Tuesday night’s Opry show also turned into an emotional musical farewell.
Grand Ole Opry member Rhonda Vincent opened the evening by telling the audience, “This is for Dolly,” before performing Parton’s classic “Coat of Many Colors.”
Vincent later returned to the stage for “9 to 5” and “Jolene,” while Morgan Myles paid tribute to Parton with “I Will Always Love You.”
The Opry is also keeping Parton’s name visible outside the historic venue. Its famous marquee is set to honor the singer through Saturday evening, extending the tribute beyond the stage.
Parton had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years, making the institution’s decision to dedicate an entire Saturday night show to her a particularly fitting tribute to one of country music’s most influential figures.
Parton died Tuesday following what was described as a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.
With the Grand Ole Opry now preparing an entire night in her honor, Dolly’s voice will once again fill the venue where she spent more than five decades as one of country music’s most recognizable members.
