Grand Ole Opry apologizes after Elle King performance at Dolly Parton’s birthday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Famed Nashville music venue the Grand Ole Opry apologized for singer Elle King’s profanity-laced performance at the Ryman Auditorium to honor Dolly Parton’s birthday Friday.
Videos on social media of King’s performance at the mother church of country music show the singer struggling to perform Parton’s song “Marry Me.”
King told the audience she did not know the words to the song and asserted she was under the influence.
“I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this [expletive] town,” sang King. “Don’t tell Dolly ’cause it’s her birthday.”
The Opry posted an apology on social media, stating “we deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used.”
The Dolly tribute concert featured performances by Terri Clark, Tigirlily Gold, Ashley Monroe, Don Schlitz and Dailey & Vincent.
Neither King nor Parton have commented about the performance.