Katy Perry, Kesha, Pitbull and Jon Batiste Sing Tribute to Dolly Parton on Stage in “She Was Kind to Everyone”

Several major music stars publicly marked Dolly Parton’s death with on-stage tributes during live performances, according to Billboard. The outlet reported that performers including Katy Perry, Kesha, Pitbull and Jon Batiste worked Parton’s legacy into their concerts by singing a track associated with the late entertainer’s reputation for kindness, “She Was Kind to Everyone.”

Billboard said the tributes reflected the country icon’s broad influence across genres and geographies. The publication described shout-outs tied to Parton’s death reaching audiences beyond the United States, including remarks that were felt “around the world” in major cities such as London and New York, as well as in Mexico.

Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, at age 80, Billboard reported. In the immediate period after her death, multiple high-profile performers used the same Parton-linked song moment as a shared reference point during their sets, a coordinated cultural gesture presented through mainstream pop and crossover artists rather than limiting remembrance to country venues.

The Billboard report framed the tributes as part of the way live stages can absorb and amplify major public losses in real time. By choosing a single Parton-associated song title for the on-stage moment, performers directed audiences to a specific element of her recorded work, rather than relying only on general announcements or acknowledgments.

Billboard also tied the tribute wave to Parton’s status as a widely covered figure in both entertainment and public life. The artists named by the outlet span multiple styles and fan bases, reflecting how Parton’s songwriting and public persona have remained a common reference point across contemporary mainstream music.

For audiences, the tributes translated into a recognizable, singable interlude during concerts, offering a consistent way to remember Parton during performances that were already underway. For the performers, the moment functioned as a public statement embedded in the normal cadence of touring and live production, where setlist changes and stage announcements can be adjusted quickly.

As of publication, Billboard’s reporting did not indicate any formal industry memorial event tied to the on-stage song choice, nor did it provide details on whether all dates or locations planned similar moments. Further information may emerge as tour schedules progress and as additional artists confirm how they will acknowledge Parton’s death in upcoming performances.