Ariana Grande created a beautiful moment of collective remembrance at her Eternal Sunshine Tour stop in London yesterday, just one day after the passing of country music icon Dolly Parton. Before taking the stage at the O2 arena on August 27, concertgoers were shown a video of Dolly performing“I Will Always Love You”—the timeless classic she wrote and recorded back in 1974. The pre-show tribute gave fans a chance to reflect on Dolly’s extraordinary impact on music and pop culture before the concert began.
“I Will Always Love You”has one of the most remarkable journeys in music history. Written by Dolly in 1974, the song became a global phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded her version for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992. That rendition introduced the song to millions of new listeners worldwide and cemented it as one of the most iconic ballads ever recorded. Now, following Dolly’s passing at age 80, artists across every genre are paying their respects and celebrating her incomparable legacy.
This concert also marks a significant moment in Ariana’s career. Her Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes September 1, and she’s announced plans to take a break from public-facing work and appearances. After years of relentless touring, recording schedules, and living under constant public scrutiny, Ariana has decided to prioritize her wellbeing and step back from the spotlight for a while. Which Dolly Parton moment or song means the most to you?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.