When Dolly Parton took the stage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, fans expected something special—but no one could have predicted just how legendary the moment would become. Dressed in her signature sparkle and charm, the Queen of Country was ready to perform her iconic hit “Jolene.” But instead of going solo, she brought an unforgettable ensemble of music legends with her.
Sharing the spotlight were Pink, Sheryl Crow, Rob Halford (of Judas Priest), Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, Brandi Carlile, and Simon Le Bon (of Duran Duran). It was a genre-blending mix of rock, pop, and country royalty that lit up the stage in a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration.
The performance began with Dolly singing the opening verse alongside Pink, who looked visibly moved and honored to be standing beside the country legend. Her eyes said it all—she was in awe, just like the rest of the audience. The camera captured her star-struck expression, a quiet moment that added an extra layer of sincerity to the performance.
As the song progressed, each artist took turns adding their own unique flair to “Jolene,” breathing new life into the 1973 classic. Rob Halford’s powerful vocals added an unexpected edge, while Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart reunited to blend haunting harmonies into the chorus. Pat Benatar and Brandi Carlile brought vocal grit and emotional depth, and Simon Le Bon added a smooth, unexpected charm.
The result? A dazzling, genre-defying version of “Jolene” that honored the original while showcasing the universal appeal of Dolly Parton’s songwriting. The crowd roared with applause as the performance ended, knowing they had just witnessed a historic moment.
It wasn’t just a celebration of Dolly Parton—it was a celebration of music itself, where boundaries disappeared, and legends stood side by side. For fans of country, rock, and everything in between, this “Jolene” was a gift to remember.