October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

Elle King ‘Hammered’ at Dolly Parton Tribute: What the Opry Apologized For

Elle King’s January 2024 performance at a Dolly Parton birthday tribute drew attention after she struggled through “Marry Me,” used profanity, and said she was “hammered.” Here is what the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly Parton, and King said afterward—and what the record does not establish.
Opened Runtime7 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

On January 19, 2024, Elle King performed at Opry Goes Dolly, a Dolly Parton birthday tribute at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. During “Marry Me,” King struggled with the lyrics, used profanity, confronted a heckler, and said she was “hammered,” according to attendee-recorded footage and contemporaneous reporting. The Grand Ole Opry apologized the next day for the language used during the performance—not for a broader set of alleged consequences.

On January 19, 2024, Elle King performed at Opry Goes Dolly, a Dolly Parton birthday tribute held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. During her rendition of Parton’s “Marry Me,” King struggled with the lyrics, improvised and stopped at points, used profanity, confronted a heckler, and told the audience she was “hammered,” according to attendee-recorded footage and contemporaneous reports.

The Grand Ole Opry apologized the following day—but specifically for the language used during the performance. The documented response did not announce a ban, a broad ticket-refund program, or any formal disciplinary action against King.

What happened during Elle King’s Dolly Parton tribute performance?

Opry Goes Dolly was presented as a celebration of Parton’s 78th birthday on January 19, 2024. The 9:30 p.m. show featured artists including King, Terri Clark, Tigirlily Gold, Ashley Monroe, Don Schlitz, and Dailey & Vincent performing Parton songs at the Ryman Auditorium. Parton was not scheduled to appear in person, and the event listing said that $5 from each ticket would be donated to the Opry Trust Fund in her honor.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
StoreSMART® - Event Ticket Holders with Lanyard - 5-Pack - LY3019S-5
  • Made of durable 8-gauge crystal clear vinyl. Double-reinforced 3/4" header with a heat-sealed hang hole for increased durability.
  • Made of durable 8-gauge crystal clear vinyl. Double-reinforced 3/4" header with a heat-sealed hang hole for increased durability.
  • 36" black lanyard included--loop it around your neck, inside your luggage, or around the handle of your bag.
  • Opens on the short side for added security.
  • Overall size: 3 3/8" x 8 7/8".

During King’s set, footage recorded by people in the audience circulated online. It showed her having difficulty with the words to “Marry Me,” a song Parton co-wrote and recorded. King appeared impaired, made unscripted remarks, used profanity, and said she was “hammered.” Reports also described an exchange with a heckler and King telling ticket holders that they were not getting their money back.

The available footage and reporting establish what attendees saw and heard, but they do not justify a medical conclusion about King’s condition. The careful description is that she appeared intoxicated or impaired and described herself as “hammered.”

Why the performance attracted so much attention

The setting was central to the story. This was not simply a poorly received club performance: it took place at the Ryman Auditorium under the Grand Ole Opry banner, during a show built around Parton’s music and birthday. The event’s celebratory format made the profanity, forgotten lyrics, audience confrontation, and apparent impairment especially conspicuous.

Parton’s connection to the Opry also gave the occasion added significance. The Opry identifies January 4, 1969, as the date of Parton’s induction and describes her membership as an important part of her performing identity. The organization marked her 50th anniversary as an Opry member in 2019.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For readers interested in the songwriting and career behind the tribute rather than the controversy itself, Dolly Parton Songteller: My Life in Lyrics offers relevant background. It is a contextual reading recommendation, not a book about the Elle King incident.

Rank #2
Ultra Pro - Lucite Ticket Stub Holder (2-1/2" x 7") - Protect Your Ticket from Your Favorite and Most Memorable Concert, Movie, Show, or Play, Display Your Ticket to Friends and Family
  • Package Dimensions: 20.066 cms (L) x 8.89 cms (W) x 0.762 cms (H)
  • Product Type: Office Products
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Country Of Origin: China

What did the Grand Ole Opry apologize for?

On January 20, the Opry responded on social media to a complaint from an audience member. Its official account wrote: “Hi Judas, we deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.”

That wording matters. The Opry apologized for the language used during the performance; it did not publicly say that it was apologizing directly to Dolly Parton. The available reporting also does not establish that the Opry:

  • permanently banned or suspended King;
  • refunded every ticket buyer;
  • canceled the event;
  • announced a formal employment or booking consequence; or
  • held King responsible for a separate institutional violation beyond the documented incident.

In other words, “the Opry apologized” is accurate. Saying that the Opry issued a sweeping apology to Parton or imposed a formal punishment on King goes beyond the documented response.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How did Dolly Parton respond?

Parton later addressed the controversy publicly and urged people to “forgive and forget.” She said King likely felt worse about the episode than anyone else and emphasized forgiveness.

Rank #3
JUXYES Clear Acrylic Ticket Stub Display Holder with Base, 4.3x9.1 Inch
  • TURN TICKETS INTO TREASURED MEMORIES – That movie ticket from your first date. The concert that changed your life. Your child’s first flight. Don’t let these memories fade in a drawer. Our acrylic display stand transforms ordinary paper stubs into everyday reminders of life’s best moments
  • CLEAR ACRYLIC MATERIAL - This ticket frame is made of quality Acrylic, frameless and transparent design help to showcase your tickets and memorabilia without distortion. Whether it is a play ticket, a concert ticket or a ball game ticket, the details of the ticket can be seen at a glance
  • MAGNETIC CORNER - Four small but powerful magnet dots securely hold your tickets in place without damaging them, floating effect makes our ticket stand out, makes your collectibles the star of the show
  • DUAL-SLOT BASE FOR 2 VIEWING ANGLES – The double-groove base allows you to display your tickets either upright for a classic look or tilted for easier viewing from a seated position. Switch angles instantly depending on where you place it – shelf, desk, or nightstand
  • KEEPS MEMORIES ALIVE – Ticket Display Frame measures 23cm x 11cm / 9.1" x 4.3", perfect for standard movie tickets, concert stubs, boarding passes, and photos. A unique gift for a music lover, traveler, or sentimental soul.

Parton’s reaction was conciliatory, not an endorsement of the conduct. She did not appear to prolong the dispute or call for punishment, but her willingness to move past the incident should not be rewritten as approval of the performance.

What did Elle King say afterward?

King first acknowledged the controversy publicly on Instagram on March 10, 2024. She posted the caption “Oh no was my human showing” alongside the hashtag “#WWDD,” commonly understood as “What Would Dolly Do?” The post recognized the incident, but it was not a detailed account of what happened or a formal apology addressed to the Opry, Parton, or ticket holders.

In later coverage of an appearance on Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast, King described the period around the performance as a “dark situation” and said she had taken “one shot too many.” Those comments provide King’s later personal explanation, but they should be attributed to her rather than treated as independently verified medical information.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Nothing in the documented account supports diagnosing King, assigning her a substance-use disorder, or claiming that she entered treatment or achieved a particular recovery outcome. The incident can be described accurately without making those unsupported inferences.

Rank #4
Gold Ticket Holder, Order Ticket Holder for Events, Durable Multiple Sizes (800mm), Premium Quality, Perfect for Restaurants & Venues, Organize Event Tickets
  • Sliding Ticket Rail: This versatile Ticket Rail features built-in glass beads that securely clamp various sizes of paper, ensuring stability and preventing slips. The design allows receipts to slide effortlessly left and right, facilitating easy access and efficient sorting. Ideal for organizing documents in any workspace, this product enhances your efficiency while maintaining a neat appearance.
  • Kitchen Receipt Holder: Crafted from durable Aluminum Alloy, this lightweight and sturdy receipt stand resists rust and breakage. Its sleek design makes it easy to clean—just a simple wipe will do. Ideal for long-term use in any kitchen environment, this stand keeps your receipts organized and accessible, enhancing your cooking experience.
  • Free DIY: Easily extend the length by connecting multiple Receipt Clips. Our Open Ticket Holder allows for unlimited connections, making it simple to transfer orders from one track to another. Ideal for organizing your workspace, enhancing efficiency, and keeping your documents secure. Perfect for Retail, Office, and Hospitality settings.
  • Multi-Scene Application: Our Tab Grabber is perfect for Take-Out Orders, Commercial Kitchens, Restaurants, Offices, Cafes, Bars, Food Trucks, and Home Use. Its versatile design ensures easy access and organization, making it a must-have for any food service environment. Enhance your efficiency and keep your workspace tidy with this essential tool.
  • Versatile and practical, our Label Holders are ideal for Offices, Kitchens, Hotel Desks, Bars, and Advertising Columns. They effectively protect your Paper Labels while ensuring easy visibility and access. Perfect for organizing and displaying important information in various settings.

A verified timeline

Date What happened
January 19, 2024 Opry Goes Dolly took place at the Ryman Auditorium. During King’s performance of “Marry Me,” footage showed her struggling with the song, using profanity, addressing a heckler, and saying she was “hammered.”
January 20, 2024 The Grand Ole Opry apologized on social media for “the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.”
January 22, 2024 Wider entertainment and news coverage examined the footage and the audience reaction. Stella Parton criticized the performance while also describing King as a young singer who had embarrassed herself.
February 2024 Dolly Parton asked people to forgive and forget and took a non-punitive approach to the controversy.
March 10–11, 2024 King acknowledged the episode on Instagram with “Oh no was my human showing” and “#WWDD.” ABC News reported on the post the next day.
Later coverage in 2025 Reports about King’s appearance on Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast quoted her description of the period as a “dark situation” and her statement that she had taken “one shot too many.”

The distinction between footage, statements, and speculation

The most reliable account separates three kinds of information. First, attendee footage documents King’s onstage behavior, including her difficulty with the song and her own “hammered” remark. Second, the Opry’s social-media post documents the venue’s limited apology for the language. Third, later statements from Parton and King provide their perspectives on what followed.

Those categories should not be blended into claims the sources do not establish. The performance was widely discussed because it appeared disruptive and out of place at a Dolly tribute. That does not prove a medical diagnosis, a private conversation between King and Parton, a refund arrangement, or a permanent consequence for King.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

A note on the Dolly Parton context

The incident made sense to many viewers only in the context of Parton’s unusually strong relationship with the Opry and the care typically associated with her public image. The tribute was designed around her catalog, not around a new King release or a confrontational performance. That contrast explains the news value while leaving room for a measured conclusion: King’s set was an embarrassing and disruptive moment, the Opry apologized for the language, Parton advocated forgiveness, and King later offered limited acknowledgment followed by a more personal explanation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The episode remains a historical entertainment-news story from January 2024, not an active Opry controversy. The later podcast comments add context, but they do not alter the basic documented timeline or expand the Opry’s original apology into a formal sanction.

Best Value
Muyoka Gold Metal Raffle Ticket Dispenser Brass Plated Desktop Ticket Roll Holder Dispenser with Stable Base for Office Movie Theater Charity Event
  • 【Wide Range of Applications】In addition to charity fundraising and raffles , raffle ticket dispenser rack can also be used for cinema ticket distribution , office billing , and game ticket storage , a multi purpose , efficient , and convenient solution
  • 【Suitable for Different Settings】Designed specifically for ticket roll storage and distribution , brass plated ticket holder allows for organized management of various tickets , avoiding clutter and significantly improving distribution efficiency . It is particularly suitable for busy settings such as cinemas , fundraising events , and offices
  • 【Compact and Lightweight】This raffle ticket holder uses compact , upright design , saves desktop and counter space . Lightweight and easy to transport , it can be flexibly moved to different event venues
  • 【Brass Plated Design】The surface of metal raffle ticket dispenser stand is dealing with a brass plating process , giving it a refined and eye catching look . It not only boasts outstanding practicality but also enhances the aesthetics of its setting , adding a touch of class
  • 【Sturdy Iron Structure】Constructed with a robust iron structure and a sturdy , wear resistant base , this desktop raffle ticket dispenser is resistant to deformation and breakage , ensuring stable and reliable performance .

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where did Elle King’s Dolly Parton tribute incident happen?

The incident happened on January 19, 2024, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville during the Grand Ole Opry’s “Opry Goes Dolly” tribute to Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday.

What did Elle King do during the performance?

Attendee-recorded footage showed King struggling with the lyrics to Parton’s “Marry Me,” using profanity, confronting a heckler, and saying she was “hammered.” Reports described her as appearing intoxicated or impaired, but the footage does not establish a medical diagnosis.

What did the Grand Ole Opry apologize for?

The Opry apologized on January 20, 2024, specifically for “the language that was used during last night’s second Opry performance.” The documented response did not announce a ban, universal refunds, or another formal punishment.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What did Dolly Parton say about Elle King’s performance?

Parton urged people to forgive and forget and said King likely felt worse about the incident than anyone else. Her response was conciliatory, but it should not be characterized as approval of the performance.

Did Elle King respond to the controversy?

King acknowledged the controversy on Instagram in March 2024 with “Oh no was my human showing” and “#WWDD.” Later podcast coverage reported that she called the period a “dark situation” and said she had taken “one shot too many.”

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: Elle King’s January 19, 2024 performance at the Ryman Auditorium’s Opry Goes Dolly tribute drew attention after she struggled through “Marry Me,” used profanity, and said she was “hammered.” The Opry apologized for the language used during the show. Dolly Parton later urged forgiveness, while King acknowledged the incident on Instagram and subsequently described the period as a “dark situation.” The available record does not establish a ban, universal refunds, or a formal disciplinary action.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. How to Watch the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards Online From AnywhereAdmit one · BlogHow to Watch the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards Online From AnywhereOpened05 SEP 2026Runtime6 min
  2. Reba McEntire’s Super Bowl 2024 National Anthem Performance: Watch the Full-Circle MomentAdmit one · BlogReba McEntire's Super Bowl 2024 National Anthem Performance: Watch the Full-Circle MomentOpened10 AUG 2026Runtime7 min
  3. 2025 ACM Awards: How to Watch the Full Replay and Official Performances OnlineAdmit one · Blog2025 ACM Awards: How to Watch the Full Replay and Official Performances OnlineOpened10 AUG 2026Runtime9 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.