The 100-year live concert celebration of the Grand Ole Opry closed out with an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton, who couldn’t attend in person. Around 50 Opry members sang a choir behind Lady A and Reba McEntire as they performed Parton’s hit “I Will Always Love You.” The tribute marked the end of a star-studded night featuring performances from Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and more.
A video message from Dolly Parton played before the performance, where she expressed her pride in being a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 56 years. She also honored her late husband Carl Dean, who passed away in March after a nearly 60-year marriage.
Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” about her departure from the Porter Wagoner Show, which marked the beginning of her successful career. The song was performed at an event celebrating Wagoner’s 50th anniversary as an Opry member in 2007, just before his death later that year. The tribute to Parton on the Opry’s 100th-anniversary special serves as a lasting celebration of her legacy and contributions to country music.
Source: https://eu.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/03/19/opry-100-nbc-dolly-parton-i-will-always-love-you/82492443007