Chris Stapleton Honors Dolly Parton With Emotional “I Will Always Love You” Performance
Chris Stapleton has paid a powerful tribute to Dolly Parton just one day after the country music legend’s death.
During his concert at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, on August 26, Stapleton surprised the audience by performing Dolly’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You.”
Chris Stapleton Surprises The Crowd
Stapleton was performing as part of his All-American Road Show when he suddenly began playing the opening notes of Dolly’s classic.
The audience immediately recognized the song and erupted in applause.
Stapleton gave the song his own stripped-down treatment, pairing his powerful voice with guitar and a more soulful country sound.
Behind him, the venue screens displayed a black-and-white image of Dolly Parton, making the tribute even more emotional.
“Thank You, Dolly”
After finishing the performance, Stapleton simply looked toward the crowd and said:
“Thank you, Dolly.”
The audience responded with a huge round of applause for both artists.
The moment was especially powerful because Stapleton had performed the song only hours after the country world learned of Dolly’s death.
Stapleton Remembered Dolly’s Kindness
Stapleton has also spoken about Dolly and the impact she had on him personally.
He previously described her as one of the greatest and kindest people he had ever met.
His tribute at Jones Beach gave fans another opportunity to celebrate Dolly through one of the songs she wrote herself.
The Story Behind “I Will Always Love You”
Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You” in 1973 as a farewell to Porter Wagoner when she decided to leave their professional partnership and pursue her solo career.
Her original recording reached No. 1 on the country charts in 1974.
The song later became a worldwide phenomenon after Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard in 1992.
Over the years, the song became one of the most recognizable pieces in Dolly’s extraordinary catalog.
Now, following her death at 80, artists are returning to it as a way to say goodbye.
Another Emotional Goodbye To Dolly
Chris Stapleton is among a growing list of artists who have honored Dolly through her music since her death.
John Mayer also performed an instrumental version of “I Will Always Love You,” while Harry Styles led fans in a singalong during his New York residency.
But Stapleton’s performance carried a particularly intimate feeling.
Just one singer, one guitar, Dolly’s image on the screen and thousands of fans singing along.
“Thank you, Dolly.”
A simple farewell to a country music legend whose songs will continue to live forever.
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