Nashville, TN – The Grand Ole Opry, one of the most revered stages in country music, found itself in the midst of controversy following a tribute concert for country music legend Dolly Parton. Celebrating her 78th birthday, the event took an unexpected turn when singer Elle King, reportedly heavily intoxicated, disrupted the family-friendly atmosphere with her performance.
On the evening of January 19th, the Opry hosted a Parton-themed tribute concert, featuring various artists including Elle King, Terri Clark, Tigirlily Gold, Ashley Monroe, and Dailey and Vincent. The event, intended to honor the legacy of Dolly Parton, was overshadowed by King’s erratic behavior.
Eyewitness footage reveals King struggling with the lyrics of ‘Marry Me,’ openly admitting her inebriation to the audience, and using language deemed inappropriate for the all-ages crowd. Her candid remarks, “I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this fucking town… Don’t tell Dolly ‘cause it’s her birthday,” and admission of being “fucking hammered” caused a stir both in the Opry and online.
Fans and attendees expressed their disappointment on social media, criticizing King’s lack of respect for the Opry’s esteemed history. Comments ranged from calling her actions “one of the most disrespectful things” to be done on the Opry stage, to expressing disbelief at her disregard for the legacy of the artists who have performed there.
In response to the backlash, the Grand Ole Opry issued an apology for the language used during King’s performance, addressing the concerns of their audience and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment.
As of now, Elle King, also known for being the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider, has not publicly commented on the incident. The event has sparked a discussion about the responsibilities of artists when performing on historic stages and the expectations of conduct in such revered venues.
This incident serves as a reminder of the fine balance between artistic expression and respect for tradition in the world of live performances, especially on stages as iconic as the Grand Ole Opry.