As expected, following Dolly Parton’s passing on Tuesday, August 25, tributes to the country music legend are already starting to flood in— and besides the fact that I certainly did not buy enough waterproof mascara for this occasion, I could never be mad at a Dolly cover.
Expect the next few days over the weekend to be PACKED with everyone and their mother paying tribute to the queen of country with their own renditions of hits from her seven-decade-long career. While many artists mainly have Thursday through Saturday night shows, Chris Stapleton is no stranger to playing a midweek concert, and fortunately, I can’t think of anyone more perfect to kick off the string of salutes.
Last night, Wednesday, August 26, Stapleton took the stage in Long Island for one of his last few shows on his 2026 All American Road Show. If you thought his renowned performance of the National Anthem was tearjerking…be prepared for his cover of Parton’s self-penned hit, “I Will Always Love You.”
While the single was more synonymously attributed to Whitney Houston’s pop-ballad 1992 version, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 14 weeks, Parton’s 1973 incredible original has since come to light once again following her passing. Because apparently, the internet just wants me to never recover from this hard-hitting death, and of course, it’s a very fitting tribute to summarize this tough time and Parton’s touching career.
As for Stapleton’s rendition from the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, the “Starting Over” singer wowed the crowd with his stunning cover, stripped back with bluesy instrumentals and his rich, touching vocals bringing even a grown man to tears. The venue also had a picture of Dolly projected across the stage’s side screens.
Following the performance, he switched out his electric guitar for his standard acoustic and spoke to the crowd, reminiscing on the lost legend:
dolly parton was one of the greatest musical, charitable, kindest and sweetest people we’ve ever had on this planet earth. We should be greatful for what she has given us and we should follow her example. I had the privledge to meet her a few times and work with her a bit and she was everything that you dreamed she would’ve been. I know we’ll all miss her very much and I’ll miss her tonight and every night after this.
While I’m not sure many will be able to top Stapleton’s heart-wrenchingly good homage to the iconic musical phenomenon, there’s no doubt Dolly touched many lives, and many others will have some extremely touching performances to come.
As for Stapleton, his time on the stage will wrap up soon with just seven shows left on tour, returning tomorrow night for two back-to-back nights in Philadelphia.
Tour Dates:
- August 28—Philadelphia, PA—Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
- August 29—Philadelphia, PA—Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
- September 1—Rogers Stadium—Toronto, ON
- October 2—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Lube Live
- October 7—Lincoln, NE—Pinnacle Bank Arena
- October 9—Kansas City, MO—Morton Amphitheater
- October 10—Kansas City, MO—Morton Amphitheater