Brad Paisley Gets Emotional During Dolly Parton Duet Days After Her Death: “I Never Imagined It Would Be About Her”
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Brad Paisley became visibly emotional as he spoke to the audience after performing his duet with Dolly Parton, “When I Get Where I’m Going,” on Aug. 27.
Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton recorded their beloved duet more than two decades ago, but the song has gained an especially poignant meaning following Parton’s death.
Only two days after the country icon passed away, Paisley, 53, paid tribute to her during his Aug. 27 concert at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut. After performing “When I Get Where I’m Going,” the 2005 collaboration he recorded with Parton, Paisley reflected on the story behind the song.
While speaking to the audience, Paisley recalled sending the track to Parton after losing several people close to him. He explained that he wasn’t sure whether the song’s message would connect with her, but Parton quickly embraced the opportunity to participate.
According to Paisley, Parton immediately responded that she wanted to sing on the track and went on to record her part.
As he remembered the moment, Paisley struggled to hold back his emotions, prompting a strong reaction from the crowd.
He then acknowledged that the song, which centers on death, faith and the hope of reaching heaven, now carries a meaning he never expected.
“I never thought it would be about her, but it is,” Paisley said, referring to his duet with Parton. He added that the song reflects the beliefs she held throughout her life before telling the late singer, “We will always love you, Dolly.”
During the performance, a photograph of Parton smiling appeared on the venue’s screen alongside the message, “We Love You Dolly.” Additional images of the singer, including photos of her with Paisley, were displayed as he performed the emotional song.
Parton died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80. Her representative confirmed that the legendary performer had been battling cancer for a short period before her death, although no specific type of cancer was revealed.
Paisley is among numerous musicians who have honored Parton during live performances since her passing.
The following night, Aug. 28, Kacey Musgraves remembered Parton during her concert at Boston’s TD Garden. Musgraves performed Parton’s classic “Here You Come Again” and also dedicated her own song “Rainbow” to the late country legend.
Tributes have also poured in online from celebrities across the entertainment world, including Paisley’s wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
Williams-Paisley recalled meeting Parton for the first time when the singer was working with her husband on “When I Get Where I’m Going.” She described Parton as warm, humorous, generous and easy to approach, while also praising the power of her voice and the emotional impact it brought to the already meaningful song.