Thanks to Dolly Parton, Thanksgiving is a little more rock ‘n’ roll this year.
The country music icon performed at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game versus the Washington Commanders. She had just released her new album Rockstar.
The famous signer donned a variant of the Cowboys cheerleading attire for the exciting performance, which included a blue crop top that exposed her chest, white shorts, and a white vest with blue stars. Although the outfit made her belly appear bare, it was actually covered in a completely bejeweled mesh. Parton’s belly button had a crystal star above it, and more crystals were scattered around her tights.
Using her hit song “Jolene,” Parton opened the halftime act. She then switched to another timeless tune, “9 to 5.” Additionally, she sang a rendition of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”
Parton called the collaboration with The Salvation Army “an honor” in a press release when she revealed her plans to perform during this year’s Thanksgiving Day game halftime show last month.
“Those Red Kettles have long been a symbol of hope for our friends and neighbors who are facing hard times,” she stated at the time. “I want to inspire everyone who is able to give to help their less fortunate neighbors. We can all show our neighbors love this holiday season and beyond by doing simple acts of kindness.
On November 17, the singer-songwriter released her most recent album, Rockstar. The 30-track collection includes covers as well as original songs and collaborations with a variety of musicians, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Pink, Brandi Carlile, Melissa Etheridge, and Sting.
A duet with the 30-year-old pop sensation, who is also Parton’s goddaughter, “Wrecking Ball” was posted ahead of the album’s release, and Parton discussed the song in an Instagram video.
Parton remarked in the video, “I remember the first time I heard ‘Wrecking Ball,’ it hit me the same way it did the first time I heard ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Houston.” “I nearly crashed when I heard that one when I was driving. I nearly had another accident when I heard the song “Wrecking Ball.” As the chorus began, I thought, “Well, how great can a song be?” after “It hit me like a wrecking ball.”
View this post on Instagram
At the time, Cyrus expressed her appreciation for the partnership on Instagram as well. She captioned a photo of herself on stage with her godmother, saying, “It’s an honor to hear her singing one of my songs. I’ve grown up covering my Aunt Dollys music.”
“I love you, Aunt Dolly,” she said. I’m overjoyed to have another partnership under our leather belt—as in, bedazzled! We are now ROCKSTARS! This record is filled with so much tenderness and love. I’m thrilled to tell everyone about it. Miley, you’ll always be my doll baby.”
