Elle King’s drunken Dolly Parton tribute triggers Grand Ole Opry apology

While on stage at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on Friday night, singer Elle King, who admitted she was drunk, stunned some audience members with her botched, cuss-filled tribute to Dolly Parton.

“You bought tickets for this sh—t? You ain’t getting your money back,” the 34-year-old singer slurred to the crowd attending the family-friendly billed event to honour Parton’s 78th birthday.

King’s behaviour on stage prompted an apology from the Grand Ole Opry the day after her performance at Ryman Auditorium.

The Opry replied to criticism from one audience member on X (formerly called Twitter) who said King put on a “horrible, drunk, and profane performance.”

The Opry responded, “We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.”

The audience member — who said he spent US$300 on his ticket — wrote that he wished country singer Lauren Alaina, who was pulled from the Opry show due to “unforeseen circumstances,” had performed instead of King.

Hi Judas, we deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) <a href=«https://twitter.com/opry/status/1748781674521895343?ref_src=» https:>January 20, 2024

King’s performance, including her rendition of Parton’s song Marry Me, has since gone viral online, with many complaining King “ruined” the evening, which featured numerous country performers.

While singing, King forgot words. She altered Parton’s lyrics to include “I don’t give a sh—t” and “Don’t tell Dolly ‘cause it’s her birthday.”

(Disclaimer: The video below contains strong language.) 

#Elleking ruins #dollyparton birthday bash in #nashville with her drunk preformace

♬ original sound – Bex

After the pitchyMarry