It shouldn’t be a surprise, but Dolly Parton, of course, is a forgiving person. Dolly says let’s forgive and forget Elle King’s performance.
The iconic singer is speaking out in response to Elle King’s inebriated performance at The Grand Ole Opry, which was intended to commemorate Parton.
“Elle is really a great artist,” Parton told ‘Extra.’ “She’s a great girl, and she’s been going through hard things lately.”
“She just had a little too much to drink, so let’s just forgive that and forget it and move on, ‘cause she felt worse than anyone ever could,” Parton added.
At the January 19 concert King told the audience, “Hello, I’m Elle King. In a TikTok video showing the encounter, the 34-year-old musician declares, “I’m f***king hammered.” She made the statement after fumbling through Parton’s song “Marry Me.”
@tarahearl We left half way through her next song. She was so drunk and cussing at the Ryman the church of country music. Do better Elle. #elleking #rymanauditorium #opry #drunkandneedstogohome #dollyparton #youshouldbeashamed ♬ original sound – tarahearl
At one point, King, made up words when she forgot the real lyrics.
“I don’t know the lyrics to this thing in this f***king town. Don’t tell Dolly ‘cause it’s her birthday,” she sang.
She cursed at the crowd for having to see her perform, and the swearing on stage went on.
“I’m not even gonna f***king lie, you bought tickets for this s**t? You ain’t getting your money back,” King said.
“I can barely play another person’s song; let me see if I can play one of mine,” she said.
The Grand Ole Opry issued an apology.
The Grand Ole Opry has apologized to concertgoers after Elle King drunkenly botched her profanity-filled performance at a Dolly Parton tribute show Friday in honor of the country star’s 78th birthday.
(@tarahearl | TMX)
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“We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance,” the Grand Ole Opry wrote on X.
King postponed a number of his scheduled shows for later this year, just days after the event.
Dolly has spoken, she says let’s forgive and forget it. Watch her interview below.
Credit: E News, CNN, Action News 5, People