Dolly Parton Makes Surprise Appearance at Newport Folk Festival
This weekend's Newport Folk Festival in Newport, R.I. added a tremendous (and unexpected) dose of country royalty to Saturday's (Jul. 27) lineup, when none other than Dolly Parton showed up to add some extra sass to the day's musical offerings.
Parton appeared as part of a group helmed by Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby's Highwomen project which was listed cryptically as “♀♀♀♀: The Collaboration” on the lineup.
Parton strode on stage to the delight of the crowd, then all the women performed a medley of her hits: “Jolene,” “Just Because I’m a Woman,” and “Eagle When She Flies.” Parton also dueted with Carlile on her “I Will Always Love You." Of course, everyone had to join in for a later rendition of Parton’s famed “9 to 5.”
Morris posted a glowing series of photos of the event, noting that her first appearance at the fest was one of "my favorite experiences of my career." She praised "the queen" Parton and added, "I don't know how I got here but I got here."
Parton wasn't the only special guest the Highwomen offered up to the crowd: Sheryl Crow, Lucy Dacus and Maggie Rogers joined in the fun as well.
Carlile has released new music with the Highwomen: The group's debut single, "Redesigning Women," is out now.
The Newport Folk Festival will run through Sunday (Jul. 28).
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