Grand Ole Opry apologizes for Elle King’s ‘drunk and profane’ Dolly Parton tribute
The country music scene got a bit too rock 'n' roll with Elle King’s expletive-laden Dolly Parton tribute over the weekend, leading the Grand Ole Opry to issue an apology.
Fans complained about the country music star’s “horrible” and “profane” performance Friday at the storied country music venue’s Dolly Parton birthday celebration.
“Elle King ruined the night with her horrible, drunk and profane performance,” one fan lamented on X. “Dolly Parton would’ve been mortified. For our first time at The Opry, it was a shame we all had to witness that.”
Video footage shows the four-time Grammy nominee forgetting the lyrics to Parton’s “Marry Me” and cursing on stage. “Don’t tell Dolly because it’s her birthday,” she sang.
“Holy s—t I ain’t even gonna f—-ing lie. Y’all bought tickets for this s–t? You ain’t getting your money back,” the banjo-playing “Ex’s & Oh’s” singer mocked the audience before announcing that she was “f—ing hammered.”
The Opry responded Saturday, writing: “…we deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.”
Parton celebrated her 78th birthday Friday by releasing a deluxe version of her latest album, “Rockstar,” featuring bonus tracks.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer did not attend the Grand Ole Opry event.
———
