Kesha Honors Dolly Parton With Emotional Tribute at Pittsburgh Concert

Kesha paid tribute to Dolly Parton during a concert near Pittsburgh on Tuesday, hours after the country music legend died at age 80.

During her Freedom Tour performance at the Pavilion at Star Lake, Kesha spoke about her mother, songwriter Pebe Sebert, who co-wrote “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.” The song was first released by Joe Sun in 1978 before Parton’s 1980 cover became a major country hit.

Kesha said the song had a major impact on her family, helping her mother buy a home and support Kesha’s education. She also recalled that Parton later recorded the song with her for Kesha’s 2017 album, Rainbow, during Kesha’s legal battle with producer Dr. Luke.

Kesha said Parton’s support during that difficult period made her feel that “God was on my side.” She then performed “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” as a large image of Parton appeared on the screen behind her.

Kesha described Parton as an “angel” whose art, kindness and love would allow her to “live forever.”