“How disrespectful,” one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Not only to Dolly, but to every single person who has walked on that stage. I seriously cannot even believe it.”
Another X user added, “I’m disappointed in the @opry for allowing an intoxicated and disrespectful performance by Elle King in failure of honoring the great Dolly Parton. I was hesitant to put this out, but I love country music to my core. Where has Country Music gone? It’s unrecognizable.”
In response, the Grand Ole Opry issued a statement on Jan. 20, reading: “We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.”
E! News has reached out to King’s rep for comment but hasn’t heard back.
For a look back at Parton’s decades-long career, keep reading.
