Dolly Parton
Legend Peyton Manning escorted country singer Dolly Parton onto the field ahead of the University of Tennessee’s football game against the top-ranked Bulldogs, infusing the event with star power and hometown pride.
Fresh off the success of her latest rock album, Dolly Parton, a Tennessee native, showcased her musical roots by delivering a spirited rendition of “Rocky Top,” a classic penned by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. The song, serving as both an official Tennessee state anthem and the Volunteers’ fight song, resonated with the Neyland Stadium crowd during the highly anticipated matchup against the Number One-ranked Georgia team.
Adding to the Tennessee flair, Parton was accompanied to the field by none other than Volunteers legend and NFL great Peyton Manning. The collaboration aimed to elevate the pre-game excitement and celebrate the intersection of music and sports.
However, in a post-performance interview, Parton candidly revealed the challenges she faced during the rendition. Technical difficulties, including a malfunctioning earpiece and the deafening roar of the crowd, hindered her ability to fully enjoy the moment. Despite these obstacles, Parton expressed gratitude for the honour of performing and being back in her home state.
Reflecting on her recently released album, Rockstar, Parton humorously remarked, “Well, hey, put me in that dang Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and I figured, I’ve got to do something to earn that. I’ve got to do a rock album.” She mentioned that the University of Tennessee had an exclusive version of the LP featuring a bluegrass rendition of “Rocky Top.”
Despite the electrifying performance by Parton and the presence of Manning, the Volunteers faced a formidable opponent in the top-ranked Bulldogs and succumbed to a defeat with a final score of 38 to 10. While the game outcome may not have favored the home team, the collaboration between music icon Dolly Parton and football legend Peyton Manning added a memorable touch to the University of Tennessee’s game day experience.
