Brad Paisley Breaks Down Performing “When I Get Where I’m Going” After Dolly Parton’s Death
Brad Paisley paid one of the most emotional tributes yet to Dolly Parton during his first concert since her death.
Just two days after the country music legend passed away at 80, Paisley returned to the stage and performed the song that he recorded with Dolly nearly two decades ago: “When I Get Where I’m Going.”
Brad Paisley Brings Dolly’s Song To The Stage
Paisley performed at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on August 27.
About 12 songs into the show, his band left the stage for a short break. Brad remained alone with his acoustic guitar.
At first, he played a few notes without revealing what song was coming.
Then the opening notes of “When I Get Where I’m Going” began.
The crowd immediately recognized it.
An emotional reaction could be heard throughout the venue as fans realized Paisley was about to perform the song he originally recorded with Dolly Parton.
Dolly Appears On The Screens
As Paisley began singing, photographs of Dolly appeared on the large screens behind him.
The emotional moment became even more powerful during the chorus.
Fans joined Paisley in singing along, while images of Dolly from different stages of her legendary career filled the screens.
By the final chorus, photos of Brad and Dolly together appeared behind him.
Then the message “We love you, Dolly” appeared on the screen.
Brad Could Barely Hold Back His Emotions
The performance appeared to be extremely difficult for Paisley.
After finishing the song, he turned toward the screen showing Dolly’s photograph.
He placed his hands over his heart and stood quietly for a moment.
It was a simple gesture, but one that captured the emotions surrounding Dolly’s death.
Their Song Now Means Something Completely Different
“When I Get Where I’m Going” was originally released by Brad Paisley in 2005 and featured Dolly Parton on vocals.
The song became a major country hit and eventually reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also won multiple awards, including Musical Event of the Year at the 2006 CMA Awards.
Its lyrics about reaching heaven and leaving behind pain now carry an especially powerful meaning following Dolly’s death.
Paisley had already paid tribute to Dolly on social media after her passing.
“I never imagined this day would come,” he wrote, remembering how life-changing it was to know her.
He described Dolly as someone who seemed immortal and said the world would not be the same without her.
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A Goodbye Through Music
Brad Paisley didn’t need a long speech to say goodbye.
He simply picked up his guitar and sang the song they shared.
With Dolly’s photographs behind him and thousands of fans singing along, the performance became a powerful farewell to one of country music’s greatest legends.
“We love you, Dolly.”
And for one emotional night, Brad Paisley and his fans let the music say everything words could not.
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