Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, has unleashed a scathing critique of singer Elle King following a chaotic performance at the Grand Ole Opry tribute to Dolly on January 19. Social media erupted as fans expressed outrage over King’s apparent intoxication and disrespectful antics during the event, prompting the Opry to issue a public apology.
King, who was supposed to honor Dolly Parton, instead left the audience in shock as she stumbled through her set, forgetting lyrics and hurling expletives at the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported that her behavior was not only unprofessional but also a blatant insult to the legacy of the country music icon. The backlash was swift, with fans taking to TikTok and other platforms to voice their disgust.
In a fiery response, Stella Parton took to her social media, condemning King’s actions and highlighting a troubling double standard in the industry. “Some little girl by the name of Elle King apparently cussed and insulted some of Dol’s fans,” Stella wrote. She criticized the lack of accountability for female performers compared to their male counterparts, stating, “It wouldn’t be the first time a hillbilly went on the stage of the Opry hammered, but I guess it’s okay if you’re a male.”
Stella’s remarks struck a chord, as she emphasized the sacredness of the Opry stage and the respect owed to both the audience and the legacy of artists like Dolly. “For every singer country or otherwise who has ever graced that stage, we consider it a Sacred Space,” she declared. The message was clear: disrespecting the audience and the music is unacceptable.
Fans have rallied behind Stella, echoing her sentiments and expressing their disappointment in King’s behavior. While Dolly Parton has yet to publicly address the incident, her sister’s passionate defense of her legacy has resonated deeply within the country music community.
As the fallout continues, the conversation around respect in the industry, particularly for female artists, is more urgent than ever. Stella’s fierce condemnation of Elle King serves as a reminder that the legacy of country music is not to be taken lightly, and every performance is an opportunity to honor those who paved the way.
