Dolly Parton’s Sister Defends Elle King After She Appeared On Stage ‘Hammered’ & Forgot Words To Song At Grand Ole Opry

Singer Elle King is facing criticism for her performance at the Grand Ole Opry last week.

The singer was slammed by fans for appearing to take the stage under the influence of alcohol. Several concertgoers captured her slurring her words, using coarse language and telling the audience she was” hammered” and then began to perform Parton’s 2001 song “Marry Me,” during which she appeared to forget the words.

The Grand Ole Opry issued an official apology. “We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance,” the statement read. 

Parton herself was not in attendance and did not comment on the incident, but Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, had some words.

“I didn’t see nor hear the Grand Ole Opry birthday tribute to my big sister Dolly over the weekend. But some lil girl by the name of Elle King apparently cussed and insulted some of Dolly’s fans by not knowing a song,” Stella wrote on X. “She did admit to being ‘hammered’ her word not mine. But let me just say this, it wouldn’t be the first time a Hillbilly went on the stage of the Opry ‘hammered’ but I guess it’s ok if you’re a male but good lord don’t ever let a girl behave that way folks! Double f—ing standard if ya ask me.”

Stella was in the news last month when she defended her sister for wearing a cheerleader outfit at an NFL concert performance at 77.