Orville Peck pays moving tribute to Dolly Parton with ‘I Will Always Love You’
The world mourned the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton on Tuesday, August 25, following a courageous battle with cancer. At 80 years old, the iconic country music star left behind a legacy defined by unmatched warmth, generosity, and a voice that resonated across generations.
Parton’s story was one of resilience, marked by her public sharing of health updates and an open heart. She navigated personal challenges while continuing to inspire millions, demonstrating a profound capacity for kindness that often felt sorely needed in a divided world.
In the wake of her passing, the outpouring of tribute demonstrated just how deeply Dolly’s influence touched the global community. Musicians, artists, and public figures rallied to honor her memory, proving that her impact extended far beyond the confines of country music.
One of the most moving tributes came from Orville Peck, who channeled his own experience of finding connection in the music of country life into a heartfelt performance. Performing a spin on her enduring hit, I Will Always Love You, Peck delivered a rendition that was raw and deeply emotional.
On stage at Rough Trade East in London, Peck spoke about the star’s impact on him. He shared that knowing Dolly existed in the world of country music provided a comforting sense of friendship for him, noting that she stood for a kindness that he felt was increasingly absent from contemporary society. “She really stood for kindness and I think that’s something that is really lacking in the world these days… I feel we can always remember what she stood for,” Peck shared. “I think as a gay man coming into country music and feeling sort of alone, the thing that always felt comforting was just knowing Dolly existed in country… made me feel like maybe I had a friend there.”
The collective respect for Parton is vast. A remarkable array of artists offered their homage, including legends such as Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, and Barack Obama. Other tributes included a rousing rendition of “Jolene” by Jack White, and the King’s Guard performing “9 To 5” at Buckingham Palace.
Even political figures paid their respects, with Donald Trump ordering that flags be flown at half-mast across the United States in honor of Parton’s memory. The recognition of her talent and character cemented her place not just as a country music icon, but as a truly unifying force.
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