Ariana Grande paid a poignant tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton ahead of her Eternal Sunshine concert in London, just five days before the singer is set to step back from showbusiness.
On Thursday, the 7 Rings crooner paid tribute to the Jolene singer during her London concert, opening the show with a video of Parton performing I Will Always Love You in 1974.
Ariana, 33, is currently performing a 10-show run at the O2 Arena.
The arena was bathed in purple lights as fans sang along and waved their arms during the emotional tribute.
Dolly Parton death
Parton was announced dead at 80 on Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer.
On August 25, reps for the country star confirmed that Parton passed away at 80 on Tuesday following a “brief battle with cancer.”
The type of cancer was not disclosed.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the statement read.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.
Styles also paid tribute to Parton during the first night of his Madison Square Garden residency Wednesday.
To note, the London concert marked one of Ariana’s last shows before she steps away from the spotlight indefinitely next month.
During her Chicago concert earlier this month, Ariana told fans she was stepping away from showbusiness, saying that “human beings need a break sometimes.”
