The Grand Ole Opry has apologized for Elle King’s performance at a Dolly Parton tribute concert.
The concert, which coincided with Parton’s 78th birthday, took place at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Friday. Things went sideways during King’s cover of “Marry Me,” as she admitted to not knowing the words while also being intoxicated.
“I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this fucking town,” King told the audience. “Don’t tell Dolly ‘cus it’s her birthday.”
“I’m not even gonna fucking lie… y’all bought tickets for this shit, you ain’t getting you’re money back,” she added. “And I’m gonna tell you one thing more: Hi, my name is Elle King, I’m fucking hammered.”
Responding to criticism of King’s performance on Twitter, the Grand Ole Opry wrote, “We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.”
Meanwhile, Parton marked her birthday in the most Dolly Parton way possible: by gifting fans a deluxe edition of her latest album, Rockstar. Read our recent cover story on Parton, which features an interview Hayley Williams of Paramore.
@countryminute Many #CountryMusic fans are upset after #ElleKing appeared inebriated at an Opry Goes Dolly event taking place at the Ryman this weekend. King told the crowd she was drunk before slurring her speech and forgetting the words to Parton’s classic “Marry Me” mid performance. Some fans are concerned. Others feel she disrespected the queen of country. What do you think? #greenscreen#dollyparton#oprygoesdolly