Chris Stapleton paid a deeply emotional tribute to Dolly Parton during his concert at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, just one day after the country music legend died at the age of 80.
During Wednesday night’s stop on his All-American Road Show Tour, Stapleton stepped away from his own repertoire to perform Parton’s iconic “I Will Always Love You.” As he began singing, a black-and-white image of Parton appeared on the large screen behind him, creating a poignant tribute to one of country music’s most beloved figures.
The performance quickly became one of the most moving tributes to Parton following her death on Tuesday, August 25.
Chris Stapleton; Photo Courtesy of TikTok
Chris Stapleton turns to Dolly Parton’s signature song
The atmosphere inside the venue changed as Stapleton began the familiar opening of “I Will Always Love You.”
His gritty, unmistakable voice gave the song a distinctly soulful quality, while the image of Parton remained on the screen behind him. Rather than attempting to imitate Parton’s original recording, Stapleton delivered the song in his own style, allowing the emotion of the lyrics to carry the moment.
By the time he reached the song’s biggest passages, the audience had joined in, transforming the performance into a massive singalong in memory of Parton. Footage from the concert shows the crowd responding enthusiastically to the tribute.
The choice of song was especially meaningful. Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” herself, originally recording it in 1974 before later revisiting it in 1982. Whitney Houston’s 1992 version subsequently turned the song into a worldwide phenomenon.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Stapleton
Stapleton remembers Parton’s kindness
After finishing the performance, Stapleton spoke to the crowd about the woman behind the music.
He remembered Parton not simply as an extraordinary musician, but as someone whose kindness and generosity were just as significant as her artistic legacy.
“Dolly Parton was one of the greatest musical…kindest and sweetest people we’ve ever had on this planet earth,” Stapleton told the audience.
He encouraged those listening to appreciate everything Parton had given to the world and to follow the example she had set throughout her life.
Stapleton also reflected on his own experiences with Parton, saying that he had the opportunity to meet her several times and work with her.
“We will all miss her very much. I miss her tonight and every night after this,” he said.
His comments came as musicians and fans around the world continued to mourn Parton’s death.
Dolly Parton’s death was announced on August 25
Parton’s death was announced Tuesday by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who was her head of security.
Seaver shared the news on behalf of the Parton family, describing Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean as an aunt, sister and grandmother figure across generations. Parton’s official social media accounts also shared the announcement.
Parton died in Nashville at 80 after what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer. Her publicist said she died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
Reports later confirmed that she had been admitted to the Nashville medical center on August 21. Her representatives did not disclose the type of cancer she had been battling.
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world, with performers using concerts, social media and other public appearances to remember the country icon.
Stapleton and Parton had worked together
Stapleton’s tribute also carried a personal connection.
As he mentioned during the concert, the two artists had crossed paths professionally. One of their collaborations came on Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar, when they recorded a version of Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” together.
Their collaboration brought together two distinctive voices from different generations of country music, making Stapleton’s decision to honor Parton onstage particularly fitting.
A legacy that reaches far beyond music
Parton’s influence extended well beyond her record-breaking career as a singer and songwriter.
Over more than six decades, she became a major figure in music, film, television, business and philanthropy. Her songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” helped establish her as one of the most recognizable artists in popular music.
Her philanthropic work also became a defining part of her public legacy. Dollywood, her Imagination Library and numerous charitable initiatives reflected the emphasis she placed on helping others.
Following her death, Dollywood described her as an inspiration whose warmth, generosity and commitment to making a difference had touched generations. The theme park said it would continue operating in keeping with Parton’s wish that it remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness.
For Stapleton, however, the tribute at Jones Beach was much more personal than a celebration of a famous career.
Standing before thousands of fans and singing one of Parton’s most enduring songs, he offered a simple farewell to an artist he admired — while the audience joined him in remembering the woman whose music had touched generations.
And as Stapleton’s final notes gave way to applause and a sea of voices singing along, the message of the performance was unmistakable: Dolly Parton’s music will continue to live long after her final curtain.