Dolly Parton recently turned 78. And to honor the legendary singer, the Grand Ole Opry invited various singers to perform for a special tribute.
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But it fell apart when a drunken performer got up on the stage. Get all the details below.
Grand Ole Opry Apologizes
It seemed like a wonderful idea: A tribute to Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry. But organizers who boasted “what could possibly go wrong?” quickly found out: Plenty!
And after audience members protested at the foul language and forgotten lyrics from Elle King, the Grand Ole Opry apologized. “We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance,” the venue responded via People.
The controversy included Elle King, a Grammy nominee, informing the audience that she felt “f—ing hammered.” And King also confessed that she forgot some of the song lyrics.
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Elle King Sings Gibberish
King, 34, was supposed to play a key role in the Ryman Auditorium show to honor Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday. Other musicians included Ashley Monroe, Tigirlily Gold, Dailey & Vincent and Terri Clark.
However, King kept arguing with audience members who wanted refunds after she sang gibberish in videos posted on TikTok from the event. And Elle also seemed to forget the lyrics.
For instance, King tried to create improvisational lines about her not knowing the lyrics to one of Parton’s hits, “Marry Me.” And she seemed drunk.
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Dolly Parton Tribute Features Forgotten Lyrics
“I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this f—ing town,” King crooned. “Don’t tell Dolly ’cause it’s her birthday.” And she noted later, “Everyone’s like, holy s—, we bought tickets to this s—. I’m not even going to lie.”
But after King told fans they wouldn’t get a refund, she also swore about 15 times on stage, according to an audience member. And she “forgot the words to the Dolly song she was supposed to sing.” However, then the curtain came down as King said, “And I’m f—ing hammered.”
Fans on social media complained that King “ruined the night with her horrible, drunk, and profane performance.” And one called it “a shame we all had to witness that.” However, some felt upset that young children had listen to the “offensive” and “heartbreaking” performance.
But King has talked before about performing drunk. And she said that she tried to cut down in terms of how drunk she used to get on stage.
“It’s easier for me to say: ‘Yeah, I want to drink and party and [then] go on stage,'” she admitted. “I get nervous before I go on stage, [so] I have couple of drinks [first]. Drinking makes me less nervous about hitting the notes when I sing. If I don’t make them, it won’t sting as much.” But she shared that she values “being a mother way, way, way above having a good time.” The singer shares 2-year-old son Lucky Levi with Daniel Tooker.
Tell us what you think. How do you feel about Dolly Parton’s tribute getting ruined by a drunken performance? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.
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