Dolly Parton, 77, Wows Fans In Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Outfit
By Favour Adegoke on November 24, 2023 at 4:30 PM EST
Country music icon Dolly Parton brought Thanksgiving spirit to AT&T Stadium with a dazzling halftime show for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Kickoff during the Dallas Cowboys game.
Wearing a bedazzled Cowboys cheerleader outfit, she performed hits plus a cover of Queen's "We Are the Champions." CBS announcer Tony Romo praised her, stating, "She looks amazing," while fans on X (formerly Twitter) celebrated her enduring talent.
Dolly Parton Performs In Cheerleader Uniform At AT&T Stadium
For Thanksgiving, Parton graced the stage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game.
Dressed in a bedazzled Cowboys cheerleader-inspired outfit complete with a white belt with blue stars, blue crop top, and white shorts, Parton opened the high-energy performance with "Jolene," followed by "9 to 5" and a cover of Queen's "We Are the Champions."
In the CBS booth, announcer Tony Romo couldn't contain his excitement discussing Parton's performance with Jim Nantz.
Dolly Parton, 77, rocking as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader pic.twitter.com/B6kI9SECBD
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) November 24, 2023
Romo expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "She was wearing the... Cowboys cheerleading outfit." Addressing Nantz, he remarked, "You saw that coming, didn't you? You said, 'I think she's going to go with a liiiittle cheerleading outfit tonight,' and I was like, 'Wow, pretty good.'"
Attempting to shift the conversation, Nantz inquired, "What do you think we're going to see in the second half?" However, Romo remained captivated by Parton's performance, commenting, "I mean, she looks amazing, right? She's wonderful. Who doesn't like Dolly Parton?"
Fans React To Dolly Parton's Halftime Performance
When Dolly Parton came out I thought it was the Cowboys honoring a cheerleader from their last Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/HFTRZu69C4
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) November 24, 2023
After the live performance, fans took to X to praise Parton. Sports analyst Skip Bayless shared his admiration for the country singer, exclaiming, "How 'bout that Dolly Parton. Talk about dressing for the occasion. Now that is impressive."
One fan lauded the "Jolene" hitmaker for her enduring vocal prowess, declaring, "Her voice is still so good. Dolly Parton FOREVER. No one can convince me she's not a Queen because this woman is a Queen & Goddess & everything good."
Another fan humorously stated, "Our apologies, but this is no longer a football game; it's a Dolly Parton concert."
A fourth person marveled at Parton's fitness, noting: "Dolly Parton is amazing—she and Cher have taken such good care of themselves. It's almost impossible to compare the shape that Dolly is to the shape Donald Trump is in—I say that because of the age. Aren't they both 77?"
Dolly Parton Says It's 'An Honor' To Perform At Halftime Show
Last month, Parton was revealed as this year's Thanksgiving Day game halftime performer. In a statement, the "Rockin' Years" singer expressed her excitement about partnering with The Salvation Army, deeming it "an honor."
She said: "I am just so excited to be performing live at AT&T Stadium today to celebrate the launch of the Red Kettle Campaign. Some so many people need our help this holiday season and I am honored to shine a light on all the wonderful services The Salvation Army provides to help our neighbors in need."
Parton continued: "Those Red Kettles have long been a symbol of hope for our friends and neighbors who are facing hard times. My goal is to encourage everyone who can donate and support their neighbors in need. Every small act of generosity helps, and together, we can all love our neighbors this holiday season and beyond."
Dolly Parton Says Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' Almost Had Her 'Wrecked Again'
Parton's halftime performance came after she released her latest album, "Rockstar," on November 17. The album is a 30-track compilation featuring covers, original songs, and collaborations with renowned artists such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Pink, Brandi Carlile, Melissa Etheridge, and Sting.
Before the album's release, Parton shared her rendition of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" in a duet with her goddaughter.
The "Wildflowers" singer expressed admiration for the song's impact, stating: "I remember the first time I heard 'Wrecking Ball,' it hit me the same way as it did the first time I heard 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston."
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She continued: "I was driving, heard that one, and I almost wrecked. And when I heard 'Wrecking Ball,' I almost wrecked again. I thought when it started into that chorus, 'It hit me like a wrecking ball,' I thought, 'Well, how great can a song be?'"
Cyrus reciprocated the gratitude in an Instagram post, writing: "I've grown up covering my Aunt Dollys' music & it's an honor to hear her singing one of my songs."
She added: "I love you Aunt Dolly! I'm so happy to add another collaboration under our bedazzled (studded leather) belt! We're ROCKSTARS now! You can hear so much sweetness and love on this record. Excited to share it with everyone. Forever your Doll Baby, Miley."