Controversy Surrounds Elle King’s ‘Drunk’ Tribute to Dolly Parton at Grand Ole Opry
What was meant to be a heartfelt tribute to the iconic Dolly Parton on her 78th birthday turned into a night of disappointment and backlash at the Grand Ole Opry. Elle King, the singer-songwriter and daughter of actor-comedian Rob Schneider, took the stage to perform Parton’s classic hit “Marry Me,” but what followed was far from what fans expected.
Videos of King’s performance have been circulating on social media, leaving many fans outraged and disappointed. Some have described her rendition as a “lackluster karaoke performer wasted out of their minds.” The backlash was so intense that the Grand Ole Opry felt compelled to issue an apology for the incident.
The videos show King struggling with the lyrics of the song and openly admitting that she was intoxicated. In a singsong manner, she addressed the audience, saying, “I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this (expletive) town. Don’t tell Dolly ’cause it’s her birthday.” She further added, “I’m not even gonna (expletive) lie… y’all bought tickets for this (expletive), you ain’t getting your money back. I’ll tell you one thing more… hi, my name is Elle King. I’m (expletive) hammered.”
The audience was left shocked and dismayed by King’s behavior. Many fans took to social media platforms to express their disappointment, with one person even stating, “It was such a disappointment to spend $300 on tickets for a show where one of the artists ruined an entire night. I mean it’s The Opry, the greatest country venue in the world. That performance was like lackluster karaoke performer wasted out of their minds. Awful.”
This is not the first time Elle King has faced backlash for her drinking and performing. During Nashville’s New Year’s Eve celebration in 2023, she received criticism for slurring the words to her hit song “Drunk (and I Don’t Wanna Go Home).” While some viewers criticized her performance, others defended her, stating that she is not the only artist who has appeared on stage after having a few drinks.
Despite the controversy surrounding her recent performances, neither King nor Parton have commented on the incident. However, it is clear that Elle King’s behavior has left a lasting impact on fans and the reputation of the Grand Ole Opry.
Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry featured several other artists paying tribute to the reigning Queen of Country. Terri Clark, Tigirlily Gold, Ashley Monroe, Dailey and Vincent, and more took to the stage to honor Parton’s incredible legacy.
The videos of Elle King’s performance have gone viral on TikTok, garnering millions of views and sparking numerous discussions about what happened that night. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how this controversy will unfold and whether any further statements will be made by the parties involved.
In conclusion, Elle King’s ‘drunk’ tribute to Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry has caused quite a stir among fans and the country music community. The incident has raised questions about professionalism and respect within the industry. As the fallout continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Elle King’s career and whether she will take steps to address the concerns raised by her fans.