Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. Renowned not only for her influential music and acting career but also for her involvement in sports, Parton left a lasting impact across various athletic arenas, from the NFL to the Olympics.
Here are some of Dolly Parton’s standout moments in sports:
Thanksgiving Halftime Show
In 2023, Parton headlined the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders Thanksgiving game in Dallas. The 11-time Grammy winner delivered an unforgettable performance featuring her hit songs like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” and covered Queen classics “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions.” Adding a touch of team spirit, she wore the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader costume.
The Dollywood Race Car
Dolly also made her mark in motorsports by sponsoring NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick’s car at the 2019 Alsco 300 Xfinity Series race in Bristol, Tennessee. Reddick embraced the theme by wearing a curly blonde wig matching Parton’s signature look. The No. 2 Chevrolet was painted pink and white, showcasing Parton’s portrait on the hood and “Dollywood” branding on the side, promoting her record label.
(Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
2024 Paris Olympics
On the global sports stage, Parton teamed up with NBCUniversal to create a promotional music video ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The video featured elite athletes such as gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee, and swimmer Katie Ledecky, performing a collaborative version of her covers “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions.”
Dollywood Comes To New York
In 1987, Parton visited Yankee Stadium in New York City and spent time with players dressed in the team’s classic pinstripe uniforms. The Yankees honored her with an official jacket and hat. Her visit was even featured on her TV show, “Dolly,” and she took memorable photos with former Yankees stars like Ron Guidry, Mike Pagliarulo, Dave Righetti, and Rick Cerone.
‘Rocky Top’ At Neyland Stadium
A proud Nashville native, Parton performed Tennessee’s beloved anthem “Rocky Top” at Neyland Stadium ahead of the intense Tennessee vs. Georgia game in 2023. Her performance was made even more special as she was escorted off the field by Tennessee football legend Peyton Manning.
Fan Take: Dolly Parton’s deep connection to NASCAR, highlighted by her sponsorship of Tyler Reddick’s car, underscores the powerful crossover between music and motorsports fandom. Her involvement brought fresh attention to the sport, potentially attracting new audiences and enriching the cultural fabric of NASCAR as it continues to grow.
Source: www.foxsports.com
