BroBible
Summary
Dolly Parton, 80, died on August 25 after a brief cancer battle. Jack White performed “Jolene” live for the first time since 2007 during a London concert. Pitbull honored her with an original tribute song during a New York show. Kesha also paid tribute with a cover of a song Parton popularized. Parton was a country icon known for over 3,000 songs and a literacy initiative. Her death prompted immediate tributes from musicians across genres.
Our Reading
The routine arrives with confidence.
Rock stars play country songs they never cared about.
Pop stars sing covers of songs they never listened to.
Everyone claims to know Dolly, even if they never met her.
Death is the only thing that unites music genres.
Author: Evan Null
Jack White’s Surprise Tribute
Jack White, known for his rock persona, played “Jolene” live for the first time in 20 years. The song was originally written by Dolly Parton and covered by The White Stripes in the early 2000s. The performance took place during a London concert on the night of Parton’s death. White’s tribute was a rare moment of sentimentality for a musician more associated with grit and noise.
Pitbull’s Dolly Tribute
Pitbull, a rapper with no direct musical ties to Dolly Parton, performed an original tribute song during a New York concert. The performance included dancers, a full band, and visuals of Parton. Pitbull’s tribute was more about spectacle than sincerity, but it still managed to capture the moment. The event happened just hours after Parton’s death was announced.
Kesha’s Dolly Cover
Kesha paid tribute to Dolly Parton by performing “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.” The song was originally written by Parton’s mother and later covered by Dolly. Kesha’s version was part of a concert in Pennsylvania. The performance highlighted the generational reach of Parton’s music and her influence on artists across different genres.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy
Dolly Parton was born in a one-room cabin in Tennessee and left for Nashville the day after high school. She built a six-decade career that included over 3,000 songs, 25 No. 1 country hits, and a children’s literacy program. She also had a theme park and was inducted into both the Country Music and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame. Her death marked the end of an era for country music.
The Music World Reacts
The music world reacted quickly to Dolly Parton’s death, with artists like Jack White, Pitbull, and Kesha paying tribute within hours. These performances were not just about mourning but also about visibility. In a time when music trends change rapidly, Dolly’s death reminded the industry of her lasting impact. Tributes became a way to show respect, even if the artists had no real connection to her work.
