Dolly Parton fans wondering how Brad Paisley would honor his longtime friend and duet partner received a moving answer at his first concert following her death.
The country singer returned to the stage on Thursday (August 27) at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut. During the show, he performed their 2005 collaboration “When I Get Where I’m Going” without Dolly by his side.
It was Brad‘s first concert since the iconic country singer’s passing, with the performance taking place approximately 12 songs into his set.
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Brad Paisley reflected on the song’s new meaning
Brad‘s band temporarily left the stage as he began playing the familiar introduction alone on his acoustic guitar. The audience quickly recognized the song and joined him for the emotional performance.
As Brad sang, the screens displayed photographs of Dolly from different periods of her career. The tribute concluded with pictures of the longtime collaborators and the message “We love you, Dolly.”
After finishing the song, Brad turned toward Dolly‘s photograph and placed his hands over his heart.
He later explained that he originally sent the song to Dolly after losing his aunt to cancer. At the time, he wasn’t sure whether its message would connect with her, but she immediately agreed to record it with him.
“I never thought it would be about her, but it is. It’s everything she believed. We will always love you, Dolly,” he said.
Brad also shared a sweet tribute to her earlier this week
Brad had also reflected on their duet following her passing, in his Instagram post shared earlier this week.
“I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone,” the singer wrote on Tuesday. “She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is. It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us. Goodbye hero. We will always love you.”
Watch Brad‘s complete performance on Instagram.
The post Brad Paisley Performs Emotional Dolly Parton Tribute With Their ‘When I Get Where I’m Going’ Duet appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.