Elle King breaks silence over disastrous Dolly Parton tribute: ‘I was mortified’

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elle King has spoken out about her disastrous, drunken tribute performance for Dolly Parton at the historic Grand Ole Opry in January, saying that she was “mortified” by her behaviour. Video footage shared on social media at the time showed King appearing to slur her words as she told the audience she was “hammered”, before launching into a chaotic cover of Parton’s song “Marry Me”. open image in gallery Elle King was criticised for her Dolly Parton tribute performance She revealed that she wasn’t originally supposed to headline the show, but stepped in last minute after “this other singer who’s supposed to be the headliner backed out like three hours before”. I hand-wrote an apology letter to Dolly.” She said that days later, Parton called her and “gave me really kind words and told me, ‘Well, Dolly’s not mad at you, why should the world be?’ open image in gallery King told her Grand Ole Opry audience: ‘I’m Elle King, and I’m f***ing hammered’ “ made me laugh.