Ashley McBryde Keeps Dolly Parton’s Story Alive With Moving Performance Of “Coat Of Many Colors”

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On Oct. 21, Ashley McBryde performed a powerful rendition of Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors," honoring the late country icon as part of the "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" televised tribute. (Photo credit: Disney + / CMA / ABC)

It’s been almost two months since country music icon Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80.

The artist left behind a legacy that includes countless hit songs, charitable efforts like the Imagination Library, and even the economy-building amusement park Dollywood in her hometown.

Dolly Parton also left behind her own story, and it’s a story wrapped up in songs like “Coat of Many Colors.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the late Dolly Parton was honored with a special televised tribute, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.

There, country artist Ashley McBryde beautifully sang “Coat of Many Colors,” and she concluded her performance of this powerful song with a reverent placing of her hand over her heart.

RELATED: Dolly Parton’s First Gospel Album, ‘The Golden Streets Of Glory,’ Was Released 55 Years Ago

Ashley McBryde Honors Dolly Parton With “Coat Of Many Colors” Performance

“Coat of Many Colors” was released in 1971, being the title track for her eighth solo studio album.

The song, which combines the telling of a story from her own upbringing with the Biblical account of Joseph and his multicolored coat from Genesis 37, is one of her most sensitive and personal works.

Performed by Ashley McBryde at the CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, she sang “Coat of Many Colors” with the image of the real coat of many colors that Dolly’s mother made for her projected on the screen in the background.

Watch her moving performance, here:

Watch Dolly Parton’s first performance of “Coat of Many Colors,” as seen on The Porter Wagoner Show in 1971, here:

RELATED: Dolly Parton Category Stumps ‘Jeopardy!’ Contestants, Enraging Viewers

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About the Author

Grant Bromley

Howdy, I’m Grant, a multimedia storyteller and lover of the arts. Whether it’s Copland’s ballet Rodeo or Peckinpah’s iconic Western Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, I have an appreciation for works that engage with the American mythos. Covering news, I help tell the stories that define our shared tomorrow.

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