Jack White paid tribute to Dolly Parton in the most fitting way possible Tuesday night. Midway through his show at London’s Eventim Apollo, shortly after news broke that Parton had died at age 80, White performed his version of“Jolene”for the first time live since 2007. The White Stripes originally recorded their take on the 1973 classic as a B-side in 2000, and Parton herself once called it one of the greatest versions of the song ever made.
Parton passed away surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer, her family confirmed. Tributes poured in from across the music world, including Elton John, Taylor Swift, Mick Jagger, and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus. White’s label, Third Man Records, highlighted Parton’s philanthropy, noting her Imagination Library has delivered millions of books to children and her disaster relief efforts have helped countless communities. Glastonbury’s Emily Eavis also recalled Parton’s legendary 2014 Legends Slot performance at the festival.
The London show was part of White’s UK and Ireland tour supporting his new album,“Frozen Charlotte.”For country fans, the image of a rock musician stopping his set to honor Dolly Parton is a testament to her reach. She wasn’t just a country icon; she was American music itself. What’s the first Dolly song you’ll put on today to remember her by?
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
