Elle King’s performance at Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry turned from a tribute to a fiasco, leaving fans and the venue in dismay. The 34-year-old singer, known for her hit “Ex’s & Oh’s,” appeared on stage seemingly inebriated, admitting to the audience, “I’m f— hammered.” King’s struggle to perform Parton’s song “Marry Me” was evident as she slurred her words and confessed to not knowing the lyrics. Her attempt to improvise only added to the discomfort of the audience.
The event, meant to honor the country music legend, took an awkward turn as King resorted to profanity and joked about the quality of her performance. Clips of the cringe-worthy show circulated on social media, drawing criticism from viewers. Comments ranged from calling the performance “disappointing” and “disrespectful” to comparing it to a scene from “A Star Is Born.”
In response to a concertgoer’s complaint about King’s “horrible, drunk, and profane performance,” the Grand Ole Opry issued an apology, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the language used. The episode came shortly after King’s New Year’s Eve admission of needing “liquid courage” to perform, raising questions about professionalism and respect in tribute performances. As the Opry and fans expressed their disappointment, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities artists carry while honoring legends like Dolly Parton.
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