Elle King Postpones 4 More Shows After Opry Performance Backlash

Elle King / Facebook

Elle King Receives Backlash For “Disrespectful” Tribute To Dolly Parton At The Grand Ole Opry

Singer Elle King found herself under fire following a performance at the Grand Ole Opry on January 19. The performance was part of a tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, who celebrated her 78th birthday that day.

Video footage of the performance surfaced online. King admitted to being drunk onstage, telling the audience:

“Hi, my name is Elle King, I’m f***ing hammered.”

King then attempted to sing Parton’s “Marry Me.” She slurred her speech and continued to swear as she seemingly forgot the lyrics to the song:

“I don’t give a s***” she said at one point. She later added, “I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this f***ing town … Don’t tell Dolly ‘cause it’s her birthday.”

Opry shows broadcast on the radio, which has strict rules regarding profanity.

Grand Ole Opry Apologizes

Many fans shared their anger toward King on social media, calling her “disrespectful.” Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, also called out King on social media.

The Opry replied to one disappointed fan on X (formerly Twitter), and issued an apology. The fan said:

“…Elle King ruined the night with her horrible, drunk, and profane performance. Dolly Parton would’ve been mortified. For our first time at The Opry, it was a shame we all had to witness that.”

The Opry responded, saying they “deeply regret” and “apologize for the language” used during King’s performance.

Hi Judas, we deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) January 20, 2024

Billy Bob’s Texas Postpones Concert

King was originally scheduled to play at the award-winning country bar Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth on Friday (January 26). But in the aftermath of her Opry performance, the concert has been postponed.

Billy Bob’s rescheduled King’s show for September 21. The venue did not provide a reason for the change in date.

Billy Bob’s shared an additional statement in the comments of their post on Instagram. When one fan asked if an alternate act would take King’s place, the venue responded, “We will have our house band playing throughout the night.”

 

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A post shared by Billy Bob’s Texas (@billybobstexas)

Elle King Reschedules Four Additional Shows

Then, on Thursday (January 25), King’s team shared a post on her Instagram Story announcing the postponement of four additional concerts.

The affected cities/dates include Shipshewana, Indiana (February 22), Waukegan, Illinois (February 25), and Harris, Michigan (February 23 and 24.).

Now, the shows have been rescheduled for March 21, March 22, and March 29-30, respectively.

King’s team added, “Your tickets will be valid for the new dates. If you can’t make the new date, refunds are available at the point of purchase. See you there!”

King’s team did not provide a reason for the postponements. Billboard reached out for comment, but did not receive a response.

As of press time, King herself has not addressed the controversy. Head below to watch a censored video of her Opry performance that caused the backlash.