Dolly Parton was not there in person, but you would have never known it. Her presence was everywhere.
To close out the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-anniversary celebration, some of country music’s biggest stars came together for a tribute that felt bigger than just a performance. Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Lady A led the way. At the same time, a stage full of Opry members stood behind them, singing along to one of the most legendary songs in country music history.
By the time the final note of “I Will Always Love You” rang out, the entire Opry House was on its feet.
A Song That Carried Even More Meaning
Before the tribute, a video message from Dolly Parton played on the big screen. She talked about how much the Opry has meant to her over the years and how proud she is to have been part of its family for 56 years.
The timing made it even harder. Just a few weeks earlier, Dolly lost her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away at 82. Reba took a moment to acknowledge the loss, sending love and prayers to Dolly on behalf of everyone in the Opry family.
Then the music started.
McEntire, Underwood, Lady A, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, and the Opry choir blended their voices into something that felt more like a love letter than a performance. “I Will Always Love You” has always been an emotional song, but it carried a whole new weight this time.
Dolly wrote the song in 1973 when she left The Porter Wagoner Show to start her solo career. It was never meant to be a love song, but it has come to represent all kinds of goodbyes over the years. Now, with the loss of her husband still fresh, hearing it sung back to her by an entire room of country music legends made it feel even more personal.
A Moment That Showed Why Dolly Parton Is Forever
As the final chorus swelled, the entire Opry House rose. The applause just kept going, and for a moment, it felt like nobody wanted it to end.
Fans watching from home felt the same way. Social media was full of reactions, from “Dolly Parton deserves every bit of this. She IS country music” to “I will never hear this song the same way again.” Another person summed it up perfectly: “Hearing this after Carl’s passing just hits different.”
Dolly might not have been on that stage, but she was there in every single note.
She has been the heart of country music for decades, giving fans songs that feel like home. The Opry’s 100th-anniversary celebration would not have been complete without honoring the woman who has given so much to the genre.
Dolly has always said she wants to be remembered for the love she put into the world. On this night, country music gave that love right back.
