Dolly Parton receives heartfelt tribute during Opry 100 special

On March 20, 2025, the country music icon Dolly Parton was recognized during the Opry 100 special, an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. The show aired on NBC and was also available for streaming on Peacock. Blake Shelton hosted the event, which featured an impressive lineup of performances from various artists including Post Malone, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire. Carly Pearce honored Dolly Parton by performing her famous song "Jolene," echoing the admiration and affection many feel for the beloved artist. This acknowledgment was particularly poignant as it followed a recent personal tragedy for Parton, who had lost her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, just a few weeks prior on March 3, 2025. During the event, Reba McEntire led a dedicated tribute to Parton with the performance of "I Will Always Love You," a song that underscores Parton’s enduring impact on country music and the wider music community. McEntire's tribute was infused with emotion as she conveyed the sentiments of those at the Opry, stating, "Dolly, everybody here at the Opry and around the world wants to send you our thoughts and prayers. And you gotta know, we will always love you." This sentiment captures the sentimentality and respect that artists and fans alike feel towards Parton. Although Parton could not attend the festivities in person, she made an appearance via a heartfelt video message expressing her gratitude and connection to the Opry family. In her message, she reiterated her pride in being a member of the Grand Ole Opry and conveyed her support and love to everyone present at the celebration. Additionally, just days prior to this event, on March 7, she had released a tribute song titled "If You Hadn't Been There" dedicated to her late husband, adding another layer of emotional depth to her acknowledgment during the tribute. The combination of musical performances and tributes during the Opry 100 special not only highlighted Dolly Parton’s legacy and influence in the realm of country music but also brought to light her personal struggles and the love she shares with her fans and fellow artists. The event served as a reminder of the strong community within the country music genre and the respect that both artists and fans have for enduring legacies, especially in times of sorrow and reflection.