Music’s Brightest Stars Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton at the Grammy Awards
Paying tribute to Dolly were some of music's biggest names, each of whom put their own spin on some of Parton's biggest hits.
The 61st Annual Grammy Awards was a true celebration of music…and of the reigning queen of country, Dolly Parton. After a weekend of musical tributes to the MusiCares Person of the Year–Parton was the first country honoree to be celebrated for her musical and philanthropic efforts–the Grammy Awards were the perfect place to offer up the biggest and best of them all.
Paying tribute to Dolly were some of music’s biggest names, each of whom put their own spin on some of Parton’s biggest hits.
First up Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves summoned up all the sass for their take on Dolly’s on-again-off-again anthem “Here You Come Again.” The songstresses–who previously shared the stage for an episode of CMT’s Crossroads–strutted their stuff as they shared verses (and rocked some amazing red jumpsuits) before being joined by Parton herself.
Next Miley Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother with an incredible performance of Jolene. Cyrus has performed the song many times and never fails to rock it. Tonight was a special one, though, as she was joined by the lady of the hour. Watching Cyrus’ reaction to her godmother never gets old as the new superstar clearly idolizes the seasoned star. Hearing the two harmonize was a magical moment.
Maren Morris then joined Cyrus and Parton onstage for “After the Gold Rush.” The powerhouse vocalists crushed the harmony-rich ballad–performed by Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris as the group Trio. Together, Morris, Cyrus and Parton recreated the iconic song and created a standout moment that gave everyone watching chills.
Then Little Big Town came out to stand beside Dolly and brought all the feels with “Red Shoes” from Parton’s hit Netflix film “Dumplin’.” The foursome were clearly awestruck as they watched Parton perform, backing her throughout the powerful new song. The performance had the whole crowd on their feet.
They stayed there as the night concluded with an incredible all-ensemble performance of “9 to 5″ with Parton on lead vocals and the most famous backup singers in the world keeping time alongside her.
