Has Dolly Parton changed allegiances? The “Jolene” singer is no stranger to large-scale events and recently she got sports fans excited as she sang at a game between Tennessee and Georgia. But the twist was that she cheerfully interacted with the Georgia fans, rather than those of her native Tennessee – although she was sure to sing an anthem to Tennessee pride along the way.
Saturday saw Neyland Stadium play host to the Tennessee Volunteers playing against the Georgia Bulldogs on the former’s home turf. Naturally, one of Tennessee’s most famous exports was there to perform; Parton sang “Rocky Top” accompanied by none other than Peyton Manning and some local rising talent.
Dolly Parton sings for athletes and fans at a Georgia vs. Tennessee game with Peyton Manning
While Parton is from Pittman Town, Manning was actually born in New Orleans, Louisiana. But, of course, Manning has long been an icon of the Volunteer State, and it was he who escorted Parton down to a stage at the end of the first quarter.
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There, Parton and Manning sang “Rocky Top,” joined by the University of Tennessee Choir and the Pride of the Southland Band. The song, penned by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, holds great significance for the entire state, as it acts as not just a fight song for the Volunteers, but also as an anthem for Tennessee as a whole. Naturally, Parton has cycled “Rocky Top” into her live performances in the past.
Dolly Parton gets and gives the royal treatment to Tennessee and Georgia fans alike
According to Wate, Parton was inviting to everyone in that stadium, to the point she happily invited Georgia fans to sing along to her rendition of “Rocky Top.” If this show of mutual loyalty felt precarious to anyone, their doubts disappeared quickly when the crowd reacted. Parton was treated to a thunderous reception, to the point she actually couldn’t hear anything.
Parton told CBS Sports’ Jenny Dell that she’d suffered some technical difficulties while performing. “I couldn’t hear because my sound went out and the stadium was so loud,” Parton revealed. “But I was so honored to be here, and I love Peyton, I love the crowd. It’s just good to be home.”
With a score of 38-10, the Georgia Bulldogs took home victory that day against Tennessee, but thanks to Parton and Manning, there was still a lot to celebrate.