Vince Gill Honors Dolly Parton With Tearful “I Will Always Love You” Performance
Vince Gill struggled to hold back his tears as he honored his dear friend Dolly Parton with one of her most iconic songs.
During his performance at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City on August 27, just two days after Dolly’s death at 80, Gill dedicated “I Will Always Love You” to the country music legend.
Vince Gill Was “Crushed” By Dolly’s Death
Before beginning the song, Gill told the audience that he and his family were “crushed” by the news of Dolly’s passing.
He then revealed that he wanted to perform “I Will Always Love You” in her honor.
As Gill sang, his emotions became increasingly difficult to hide. At several points, he appeared to struggle to hold back tears.
The audience responded with loud cheers as he finished the powerful performance.
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The Song Had A Special Meaning For Them
The tribute carried an especially personal meaning because Gill and Dolly had recorded the song together.
The two country stars performed their duet version of “I Will Always Love You” at the 1995 CMA Awards.
Gill later remembered that performance in an emotional Instagram tribute following Dolly’s death.
He wrote that one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard was the moment he and Dolly sang the final note of the song together.
Vince Had Already Shared A Tribute
Shortly after Dolly’s death was announced, Gill shared a clip of their memorable 1995 performance.
His message made clear just how deeply he felt the loss.
Now, performing the same song alone on stage, Gill turned it into a farewell to one of his closest friends in country music.
It was not simply another cover of Dolly’s classic.
It was a deeply personal goodbye.
A Powerful Farewell
Dolly Parton died on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer.
Since then, artists across country music have turned to her songs to express their grief.
Vince Gill chose one that carried a shared history between the two of them.
And as he fought back tears while singing, the meaning of the moment was impossible to miss.
One legendary voice singing another legend’s song — this time, as a goodbye.
