Vince Gill Breaks Down While Honoring Dolly Parton With Emotional Performance
Vince Gill struggled to hold back tears as he performed one of Dolly Parton’s most beloved songs, just days after the country music icon’s death.
During his concert at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 27, Gill, 69, took a moment to remember his longtime friend and musical collaborator before performing “I Will Always Love You.” The pair famously recorded the song together as a duet in 1995.
Gill told the audience that he and his family were devastated by Parton’s death, which came just two days earlier at the age of 80.
As he began singing the emotional classic, Gill became visibly moved. Fan-recorded videos showed the crowd encouraging him throughout the performance before erupting into cheers as he finished the song.
The moment was particularly meaningful because Gill and Parton had performed “I Will Always Love You” together at the 1995 CMA Awards, creating one of the most memorable moments of their musical partnership.
Gill had previously paid tribute to Parton on Instagram by sharing footage from that legendary performance. Looking back on the moment, he described the final note they sang together as one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard.
Dolly Parton’s Death Sparks Worldwide Tributes
Parton’s representatives confirmed that the legendary singer died on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer. Her specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the heartbreaking news in a video shared through Parton’s Instagram account.
Gill is among a growing number of country stars using music to honor Parton and celebrate her extraordinary legacy.
On August 28, Kacey Musgraves performed Parton’s 1977 hit “Here You Come Again” at Boston’s TD Garden. She first performed her own song “Rainbow,” dedicating it to Parton, before transitioning into the tribute.
John Mayer also chose “I Will Always Love You” during a private SiriusXM performance at Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons on August 26. Despite fans calling out requests for “Jolene,” Mayer performed Parton’s classic alone on guitar before moving into “Gravity” for his encore.
Meanwhile, Brad Paisley honored Parton during his August 27 concert at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Paisley performed “When I Get Where I’m Going,” his 2005 duet with Parton, becoming emotional as he recalled how quickly she agreed to record the song after hearing the track.
Across social media, countless artists have continued sharing memories and heartfelt tributes to Parton. Among them was longtime friend Reba McEntire, who remembered the country legend for her music, generosity and enormous heart.
For Gill, however, returning to “I Will Always Love You” carried an especially deep meaning.
It was more than a tribute. It was a return to a song forever connected to one of the most important musical relationships of his life — and a deeply emotional farewell to a friend whose voice and legacy will never be forgotten.