Brad Paisley was taking a brief break from his BRAD PAISLEY LIVE tour when the heartbreaking news broke that Dolly Parton had passed away on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer.
Like countless fans, friends, and fellow artists, Paisley was deeply saddened by her death and shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Paisley and Parton shared a special musical connection that made his tribute particularly meaningful. The two recorded the emotional song “When I Get Where I’m Going” together in 2005. The powerful track became a major success, earning Vocal Event of the Year honors at both the CMA Awards and the ACM Awards, while its music video also won Video of the Year at the ACMs.
The song focuses on reaching an afterlife free from pain and sorrow, making it especially poignant following Parton’s passing.
In his social media tribute, Paisley shared a clip from their music video and reflected on what Dolly meant to him and to generations of fans.
“I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone. She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is. It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us.
Goodbye hero. We will always love you.”
At his first show following Parton’s passing, Paisley performed “When I Get Where I’m Going,” turning the song they once recorded together into an especially emotional tribute to his longtime friend and musical hero.
The performance gave fans a touching opportunity to remember Dolly through one of the songs that will forever connect the two country music icons.
See Brad Paisley’s emotional tribute and performance below.