Country music singer Elle King has found herself at the center of controversy after her performance at the Grand Ole Opry during a tribute concert in honor of Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday. The event, held on January 19, was designed as a special celebration of Parton’s remarkable legacy, but King’s conduct on stage quickly overshadowed the tribute, leading to widespread criticism from both fans and viewers alike.
Video footage from the performance, which has circulated widely on social media, shows King admitting to being “hammered” before delivering a rendition of Dolly Parton’s hit song “Marry Me.” Her apparent intoxication and slurred words during the performance, coupled with the frequent use of explicit language, left many audience members and fans online feeling that the moment had been tarnished. King’s behavior, perceived as disrespectful, has ignited a wave of backlash, with some questioning why such behavior was allowed on the Grand Ole Opry stage, a venue known for its deep reverence of country music traditions and artists.
In one part of the footage, King is seen introducing herself by saying, “Hi, my name is Elle King, I’m fing hammered.” She then proceeds to engage with the audience in a confrontational manner, saying, “I’m not even gonna fing lie… y’all bought tickets for this s***? You ain’t getting your money back.” Her choice of words and her apparent disregard for the solemnity of the occasion were received poorly by both concertgoers and the wider online community.
For many fans, the Grand Ole Opry is a sacred space where the legacy of country music is upheld and celebrated with dignity. Dolly Parton, as one of the most revered figures in the genre, commands respect and admiration, making this tribute particularly important. King’s performance, however, left fans feeling as though the event had been diminished, and social media was quickly flooded with posts expressing disappointment, frustration, and even anger.
Many who attended the concert and those who watched online criticized King for her lack of professionalism, with some fans calling her behavior an outright insult to both Dolly Parton and the institution of country music itself. The backlash wasn’t just confined to social media either. Several country music commentators weighed in, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect for the genre and its icons, particularly during high-profile events such as this one.
While King is known for her boundary-pushing style, blending rock, country, and blues with a rebellious attitude, her performance at this tribute concert crossed a line for many. Some defended King’s right to express herself artistically, but even those who support her acknowledged that her behavior may not have been fitting for such a celebrated venue and occasion.
As of now, Elle King has not publicly addressed the criticism in detail. Fans are waiting to see if she will respond or clarify her intentions during the performance. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic freedom and respect for traditions in the world of country music. For many fans of Dolly Parton, the performance stands as a stark contrast to the grace and professionalism embodied by the Queen of Country herself.