John Mayer’s private SiriusXM concert at the Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons on Wednesday night turned into an unexpected moment of tribute when the legendary musician played the iconic guitar solo from Dolly Parton’s“I Will Always Love You”during the encore. The concert drew an A-list crowd that included Paul and Stella McCartney, Michael J. Fox, Howard and Beth Stern, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, Marcus King, Katie Couric, Andy Cohen, and James Dolan. The timing was particularly poignant, as the performance took place just one day after Dolly Parton passed away at eighty years old.
What made Mayer’s tribute even more meaningful was its subtlety. Rather than making a speech or directly acknowledging Parton’s passing, he let the music do the talking. Some attendees reportedly didn’t immediately recognize the solo for what it was, with some even expressing disappointment that Mayer hadn’t explicitly mentioned Dolly. However, in an interview set to air on SiriusXM Friday, Mayer opened up about Parton’s legacy and her unique ability to unite people across generations and genres. He described her as someone who“carried herself through every decade of her life perfectly”and noted that she was one of the few people left in the world who could“galvanize a very fractured world to come together and share love for one person.”
Beyond the emotional tribute, the concert showcased Mayer’s signature blend of musical prowess and comedic banter, with him performing hits like“Who Says”and“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”interspersed with stories and observations about everything from food delivery tips to existential thoughts. He also revealed that he’s currently working on his ninth studio album and is mixing a new single from the project while staying at Andy Cohen’s Hamptons house—yes, literally from Andy’s bedroom studio setup. What do you think about Mayer’s approach to honoring Dolly? Do you prefer quiet, musical tributes or more explicit acknowledgments?
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Local Lawton
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