Vince Gill Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton During Emotional Performance

Country singer Vince Gill paid tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator Dolly Parton during a concert in Kansas City, Missouri, on Aug. 27, two days after her death at age 80.

Gill, 69, told the audience that he and his family were “crushed” by the news before performing “I Will Always Love You,” the song he recorded as a duet with Parton in 1995. Gill became emotional during the performance, drawing cheers from the crowd as he finished the song.

Gill had earlier honored Parton on Instagram by sharing video from their 1995 CMA Awards performance. “One of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard was when Dolly and I sang that last note,” he wrote.

Parton died on Aug. 25 following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives. Her family did not disclose the type of cancer.

Gill is among several musicians who have honored Parton since her death. Kacey Musgraves performed Parton’s “Here You Come Again” in Boston on Aug. 28, while John Mayer performed “I Will Always Love You” during a private show in the Hamptons.

Brad Paisley also paid tribute to Parton during his Connecticut concert, performing their 2005 duet “When I Get Where I’m Going.” Fighting back tears, Paisley told the audience, “I never thought it would be about her, but it is.”

Parton’s longtime friend Reba McEntire also remembered her on social media, thanking her for her music, love and generosity. “There will never ever be another you,” McEntire wrote.