Country music star Carrie Underwood honored the late Dolly Parton during her performance at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, telling thousands of fans that the singer “transcends all space and all time,” according to coverage by American Songwriter and Country Rebel.
Carrie Underwood’s Tanglewood Stage Tribute to Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment industry, as reported by Country Rebel. Days later, Underwood took the stage at the Tanglewood Music Center to perform her hits and address the audience about the loss. According to American Songwriter, Underwood told the crowd she wanted to “acknowledge and pour my love out for not just a huge influence to so many of us, but just one of the nicest people I think I’ve ever met on this planet.” She added that the shock of Parton’s passing made it feel like “time just stood still.”
Instead of covering standard Parton anthems like “Jolene” or “I Will Always Love You”—songs the two had previously collaborated on, including a 2009 duet—Underwood chose her own 2013 hit “See You Again,” as detailed by American Songwriter and Country Rebel. Before launching into the song, Underwood asked fans to hold up their phones to light up the venue. She told the crowd, according to Country Rebel, “I know where she is. I know how much she loved Jesus. But right now we’re gonna do a song that is very important to me and, I feel like it fits the moment.”
Custom Jacket and Prior Collaborations Between the Country Stars
During the Tanglewood concert, Underwood wore a custom-made jacket designed to honor Parton, according to Country Rebel. The garment featured Underwood’s initials on the back, decorated with butterflies and a classic Parton quote: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” Photos shared by Underwood on social media after the event showcased the custom apparel.
The two artists shared a personal and professional history prior to Parton’s death, highlighted by a stage appearance at the 2019 CMA Awards and their televised duet of “I Will Always Love You,” noted American Songwriter. Following the news of Parton’s death, Underwood posted a tribute on social media describing Parton as “the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor” and stating, “She was a one of one and no one will ever come close,” according to Country Rebel.