Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill Honor Dolly Parton with Touching Performance at the Opry

On the evening of January 17, 2026, the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville was transformed into a temple of reverence, celebration, and heartfelt tribute as country music stars and devout fans gathered for the fourth annual Opry Goes Dolly.

A soulful musical event dedicated to honoring the life, legacy, and timeless songs of Dolly Parton as she approached her 80th birthday on January 19.

Even though Dolly Parton herself could not be in attendance due to personal circumstances, she sent a warm, recorded message of love and gratitude that was shared with the packed audience — a touching reminder that her presence was felt powerfully through spirit if not physical attendance.

In her message, Parton thanked the Opry family for celebrating her songs and memories and shared that some of her favorite moments in music happened right on the Opry stage.

From the moment the lights rose, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and admiration. The evening featured a star‑studded lineup of country artists whose careers have been shaped by Parton’s influence.

Fans were treated to performances by Elizabeth Nichols, Mark Wills, Sierra Hull, Rhonda Vincent, and emerging talent Trannie Anderson, who marked her Grand Ole Opry debut on this memorable night.

But the most unforgettable highlight came when Lainey Wilson, one of modern country music’s brightest stars, stepped onto the iconic Opry stage — not just to sing, but to express profound gratitude for the musical lineage she’s part of.

Wilson launched her set with a spirited run through her chart‑topping hits “WWDD (What Would Dolly Do),” “Somewhere Over Laredo,” and “4X4XU,” each track brimming with energy and confidence.

Each song was greeted with enthusiastic applause, but it was the moment that followed that truly set the tone for a night rooted in reverence and emotion.

As the final notes of her opening set faded, Wilson paused — visibly moved — and addressed the audience with heartfelt humility.

She welcomed a very special guest to the stage: Vince Gill, country music royalty and long‑time Opry member, whose influence on the genre spans decades.

Wilson spoke with deep affection about both Gill and Dolly Parton, calling them heroes and confessing that, contrary to the old adage about not meeting your idols, she had met two heroes she genuinely admired — and they lived up to every bit of the legend.

Standing side by side, Wilson and Gill launched into one of Parton’s most cherished songs, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” originally released in 1977 on Parton’s album New Harvest… First Gathering.

The song, an anthem of resilience and hope, has taken on fresh life over the years and was recently reimagined in a new version featuring Parton alongside Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire to support pediatric cancer research in Nashville.

Wilson introduced the performance with genuine emotion, reflecting on her growing personal and professional relationship with Parton. She spoke candidly about the privilege of spending time with her, describing Dolly as “as great as all of y’all think she is” — genuine, generous, and as warm‑hearted as her music suggests.

The pair’s rendition of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” drew an emotional response from the audience, blending Wilson’s youthful passion with Gill’s seasoned, velvety tone. It was a moment that captured the essence of what Dolly’s music has always represented: hope, unity, and the courage to face life’s storms with grace.

But the tribute did not end there.

With the stage backdrop filling with images of Dolly’s extraordinary life and career, Wilson and Gill delivered a stunning, soul‑stirring interpretation of “I Will Always Love You,” one of Parton’s most beloved and universally recognizable compositions.

Gill opened with the first verse and chorus in his signature crystalline voice, followed by Wilson’s heartfelt delivery in the second verse. Together, their harmonies intertwined in a moving celebration of love, loyalty, and legacy.

As the final chord faded, the audience rose in thunderous applause, offering an extended standing ovation that echoed through the Opry House — a collective expression of gratitude and reverence for both the performers and the woman whose music shaped generations.

Beyond the music, the night also embraced Dolly’s lifelong dedication to giving back. In honor of the celebration, the Opry donated $5 from every ticket sold to Parton’s Imagination Library, the beloved literacy initiative that mails free books to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income.

This gesture reflected Parton’s commitment to community, education, and compassion — values that have defined her storied career.

In partnership with Julien’s Auctions, the Opry also offered fans the chance to bid on a one‑of‑a‑kind, rhinestone‑covered microphone stand signed by Dolly Parton, with proceeds benefiting the Opry Trust Fund.

The custom piece — adorned in jewels and butterflies — was a fitting tribute to Dolly’s dazzling personality and her deep connection to the Opry stage.

At its heart, Grand Ole Opry Goes Dolly was more than a show — it was a testament to the power of music to honor history, unite artists across generations, and celebrate the enduring impact of a living legend.

Though Dolly Parton watched from afar, her legacy filled every note, every cheer, and every smile that night — a reminder that her influence continues to ripple across country music and beyond.