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Elle King Opens Up On Drunken Dolly Parton Tribute: “I’m Human”

Elle King is back in the spotlight after a controversial performance at a tribute concert for Dolly Parton in January 2024.

In a moment of raw honesty and vulnerability, singer-songwriter Elle King has bravely stepped forward to address her recent performance mishap during a Dolly Parton tribute.

With humility and grace, King has publicly acknowledged her mistakes, reminding us all of the universal truth that even those in the spotlight are, at their core, human.

The “Ex’s & Oh’s” singer received backlash for being intoxicated on the stage, but she’s recently addressed the incident with a message of self-acceptance and gratitude for Dolly Parton’s forgiveness.

Continue reading to learn about all the juicy details of the incident.

Elle King
Elle King

A Night Remembered (For the Wrong Reasons)

King was one of several country music stars invited to celebrate Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

During the event, Elle King took to the stage to honor Dolly Parton with a rendition of her classic hit “Jolene.” However, as the performance progressed, it became evident that King was struggling to maintain her composure.

According to audience accounts on TikTok, King’s performance was marked by profanity, slurred speech, and forgetting the lyrics to Parton’s song “Marry Me.”

She even admitted to the audience that she was “hammered.” The Grand Ole Opry later issued a formal apology for the language used during the performance.

Social Media Backlash and Postponed Shows

The fallout from the performance was swift and brutal. King’s social media accounts were flooded with criticism, with some comments reaching a disturbing level of cruelty.

Online trolls resorted to personal attacks and insults. The negativity spilled over to other platforms, with discussions on forums and message boards echoing the harsh criticism.

The situation went beyond angry comments. King’s Wikipedia page was vandalized with false information, and some fans even reported receiving targeted harassment online.

The experience was undoubtedly stressful and emotionally draining for the singer.

In addition to the social media firestorm, the incident also had a tangible impact on King’s career. Several concert venues reported a significant drop in ticket sales following the controversy.

Faced with this reality, King made the difficult decision to postpone several concerts scheduled for later in the year.

This included shows in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. Postponing the shows meant not only financial setbacks but also disappointment for fans who were looking forward to seeing her perform.

Taking Responsibility and Moving Forward

Taking to Instagram in March, King finally addressed the incident. In a video showcasing her workout routine, she included a message acknowledging her humanity and thanking those who offered support.

She also extended an ironic message of love to those who sent her hateful messages. King captioned the post with a playful question, seemingly referencing Dolly Parton, “Oh no, was my human showing? #WWDD.”

This hashtag, likely representing “What Would Dolly Do,” hinted at King’s awareness of Parton’s gracious response to the situation.

In an interview, the country legend defended King, acknowledging her struggles and urging forgiveness.

Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton
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Back on the Road

King’s return to the stage wasn’t without its challenges. She knew she had work to do, both in terms of rebuilding her image and proving herself to fans who might have been hesitant after the controversy.

However, King is known for her resilience and determination. She decided to use music as her platform for redemption.

King’s comeback performance at the Extra Innings Festival in Arizona was a turning point. She delivered a powerful and emotional set, showcasing her undeniable talent and stage presence.

The crowd responded with overwhelming support, cheering her on and singing along to her hits. This positive reception was a much-needed boost for King’s confidence.

Following the successful festival performance, King embarked on a full tour, determined to reconnect with her fans. She poured her heart and soul into every show, delivering energetic performances that combined her signature raspy vocals with raw emotion.

The setlist included a mix of fan favorites and new songs, reflecting her growth as an artist.

King’s dedication and vulnerability resonated with audiences. Social media feeds were flooded with positive reviews from fans praising her powerful vocals, captivating stage presence, and genuine connection with the crowd.

Many fans commented on her growth and resilience, highlighting their admiration for how she overcame the controversy.

King’s Scotland stop, which she called “a dream!” on social media, was a testament to her successful tour. The energetic crowd and positive atmosphere solidified her comeback and proved that her talent and stage presence could win back even the most skeptical fans.

While the long-term impact of the January incident remains to be seen, King’s return to the road has been a resounding success. She has used music as a powerful tool for redemption, reconnecting with fans, and proving her talent.

Elle King’s Performance at the Grand Ole Opry: A Look at the Numbers

Grand-Ol-Opry
Grand-Ol-Opry

While it’s difficult to quantify the exact impact of the incident, here’s a glimpse into the online conversation surrounding the event:

  • Social Media: A search for “Elle King” and “Dolly Parton” on Twitter yields a significant number of tweets discussing the January performance, with a mix of criticism and support for King.
  • News Articles: A search on news aggregators shows the story was picked up by various publications, likely generating further online discussion.

Potential Impact of the Incident

CategoryPossible Impact
Social MediaIncreased brand awareness (positive or negative)
Concert AttendancePotential decline in ticket sales for future shows
Career TrajectoryDifficult to predict, may depend on King’s future actions
Potential Impact of the Incident

Watch the following video to know more:

Elle King’s performance that went wrong

Conclusion

  • Elle King’s performance at the Grand Ole Opry was a lapse in judgment that resulted in public scrutiny.
  • She has taken responsibility for her actions and received forgiveness from Dolly Parton.
  • King is back on tour and appears to be moving forward with a positive attitude.
  • The long-term impact on her career remains to be seen.

This incident serves as a reminder that celebrities are human and can make mistakes. King’s journey through this controversy highlights the importance of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and resilience.

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