Grand Ole Opry apologizes after Elle King performance
Jan. 22 (UPI) -- The Grand Ole Opry has apologized following a much-criticized performance by singer Elle King.
The Nashville music institution apologized after fans complained about King's "drunk" and "profane" performance Friday at the Opry's Dolly Parton birthday tribute.
The Opry had posted Friday about Lauren Alaina dropping out of the tribute, leading one fan to respond, "I wish she would've been there because Elle King ruined the night with her horrible, drunk and profane performance. Dolly Parton would've been mortified. For our first time at The Opry, it was a shame we all had to witness that."
The Opry apologized Saturday, writing, "Hi Judas, we deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night's second Opry performance."
Footage from the show on social media shows King forgetting the lyrics to Parton's "Marry Me" and cursing onstage.
The singer also mocked the audience, saying, "Y'all bought tickets for this [expletive]? You ain't getting your money back." She later announced, "Hi, my name is Elle King. I'm [expletive] hammered."
Parton, who did not attend the tribute, celebrated her 78th birthday Friday. The country music star marked the occasion by releasing a deluxe version of her album Rockstar featuring new songs.