Country music legend Dolly Parton has recently expressed her support for singer Elle King following her drunken performance at a birthday tribute concert for Parton last month. Parton, known for hits like 'Jolene,' spoke highly of King, describing her as a talented artist who has been going through difficult times.
Parton acknowledged that King had consumed too much alcohol during the event, but she urged fans not to hold it against her. The 78-year-old singer emphasized that King had already felt worse about the situation than anyone could imagine. In an interview with Extra, Parton said, 'Let’s just forgive that and forget it and move on, ’cause she felt worse than anybody ever could.'
The incident occurred when King performed Parton's song 'Marry Me' at the renowned Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Social media footage captured King slurring her words and repeatedly using expletives during her set. She admitted to being intoxicated, causing a stir among the audience. Despite the controversy, Parton stood by King, expressing her belief in her talent and character.
The Grand Ole Opry issued an apology on King's behalf, expressing regret for the language used during her performance. Following the event, King postponed several tour dates in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Her next scheduled concert is set to be an appearance at the Extra Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona, on March 1.
While King has not publicly addressed the incident, she has previously discussed her use of alcohol to cope with stage fright. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, she explained that drinking helps her feel less nervous about hitting the right notes while singing. King shared that while she used to get drunk before performances, she now tries to moderate her alcohol intake.
Despite her initial connection to other genres, King fully embraced country music with her most recent album, 'Come Get Your Wife,' released in 2023. Explaining her decision to delve into country music, she mentioned the song 'Ohio' as her love letter to the genre and a way to connect with her roots and express her passion for country music.
It's evident that while the incident may have caused a stir, Dolly Parton is supportive of Elle King and wants fans to forgive and move forward. As King continues her musical journey, fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming performances and new music.
