Kacey Musgraves honored the legendary Dolly Parton during a recent concert in Boston, delivering heartfelt renditions of her own ballad "Rainbow" and Parton’s iconic hit "Here You Come Again." The performance took place at the TD Garden on Friday, August 28, as Musgraves continues her tour supporting her album Middle of Nowhere. The tribute came in the wake of Parton’s passing, a moment that deeply resonated with Musgraves and the thousands in attendance.
Musgraves, known for her introspective songwriting and a career that has often drawn parallels to Parton’s pioneering spirit in country music, paused her set to share her profound admiration for the "Jolene" singer. She spoke not just of Parton’s immense musical achievements and numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and chart-topping hits, but emphasized her profound impact as a humanitarian.
A Humanitarian Spirit Remembered
"It’s what a humanitarian [she was]," Musgraves told the Boston crowd, her voice filled with emotion. She elaborated on Parton’s character, describing her as "someone always looking out for someone else, looking out for the underdog, even when it probably wasn’t easy, even when it didn’t benefit her career." This sentiment highlighted a core aspect of Parton’s public persona – a genuine compassion and a commitment to lifting others up, a quality Musgraves clearly holds in high regard and believes the world can learn from.
The artist continued to reflect on Parton’s enduring legacy, stating, "She’s woven into the fabric of who we’ve always been, so it just feels extra sad." This statement underscored the deep and pervasive influence Parton has had on American culture and particularly on the landscape of country music, paving the way for generations of female artists.
"Rainbow" and a Collective Mourning
The tribute began with Musgraves leading the arena in a sing-along of "Rainbow," the closing track from her Grammy Award-winning 2018 album, Golden Hour. As the poignant lyrics about finding light after darkness filled the venue, images of Dolly Parton were displayed on the massive screens behind Musgraves, creating a powerful and emotional visual tribute. The song’s message of hope and resilience seemed particularly fitting as the audience joined in, united in their grief and remembrance of the country music icon.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, following a brief battle with cancer, sending waves of sadness across the music industry and among her vast fanbase. The shared moment of singing "Rainbow" served as a collective act of mourning and a testament to the emotional connection fans felt with Parton, a connection that transcended mere admiration for her music.
Honoring an Icon with "Here You Come Again"
Following the deeply personal performance of "Rainbow," Musgraves transitioned to a cover of one of Dolly Parton’s most beloved and commercially successful songs: "Here You Come Again." This classic from Parton’s 1977 album of the same name marked her significant breakthrough into the pop charts.
The song originally peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978, becoming one of Parton’s highest-charting solo singles. Only two other recordings by Parton achieved greater success on the all-genre chart: the anthemic "9 to 5" and her chart-topping duet with Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream," both of which reached number one in the early 1980s. While Parton was a prolific songwriter, "Here You Come Again" was penned by the acclaimed songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, showcasing Parton’s ability to interpret and elevate material from other writers.
A Recurring Homage to Parton
Musgraves’ choice to perform "Here You Come Again" was not a spontaneous one but rather a deliberate callback to her long-standing admiration for Parton and their shared musical moments. She had previously performed the song alongside Parton herself in 2019 during a special medley of Parton’s hits at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. This collaboration was a highlight of the telecast, celebrating Parton’s immense career and influence.
Furthermore, Musgraves has a history of honoring Parton with this specific song. At the MusiCares Person of the Year gala in 2019, where Parton was the honoree, Musgraves performed "Here You Come Again" as a duet with pop star Katy Perry. This performance was a reprise of their earlier duet on CMT’s Crossroads, demonstrating a consistent thread of tribute woven throughout Musgraves’ career. In fact, Musgraves has had a solo rendition of "Here You Come Again" in her live setlists dating back as far as 2014, solidifying her deep connection to the song and its original artist.
Kacey Musgraves on Dolly Parton’s Enduring Appeal
Musgraves’ admiration for Dolly Parton extends far beyond her musical performances. In a red carpet interview at the 2019 Grammy Awards, she described Parton as an "earth angel," praising her authenticity and presence. "She really is," Musgraves stated. "She’s so cool. She’s so present. What I like about her is she has a keen attention to detail, and that’s obviously why she’s had such a long, amazing career."
Musgraves elaborated on Parton’s unique ability to blend various facets of stardom, noting, "She really cares about those things, she can put her stamp on things without apology." This keen observation speaks to Parton’s masterful control over her brand and artistic output, a trait that has ensured her longevity and relevance across decades. Musgraves recognized Parton as a trailblazer who shattered barriers for women in country music. "She paved the way for a lot of us, especially in country music. We wouldn’t really be able to do what we do without her. She’s the first who had all of it together. The sex appeal, the brains, the humor, the songwriting, the outfits, the hair." This comprehensive assessment captures the multifaceted genius that made Dolly Parton an unparalleled icon.
A Legacy of Influence and Inspiration
The concert in Boston served as more than just a musical performance; it was a poignant moment of collective remembrance and appreciation for an artist who shaped not only music but also the cultural landscape. Kacey Musgraves’ heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton underscored the profound and lasting impact of her artistry and her humanitarian spirit. By performing these iconic songs, Musgraves not only paid homage to her idol but also reminded her audience of the enduring power of music to connect, comfort, and inspire, even in times of loss. The echoes of "Rainbow" and "Here You Come Again" resonated through the arena, a fitting tribute to a true legend.
