Dolly Parton was a rising tide. She lifted up everything she touched.
That included music, naturally. It spread out to movies and television. Her Imagination Library gifted millions of children free books to jump start their learning journeys. Her donations funded vital medical research that saved lives. Hers was a life dedicated to making things better, not just for herself but for those around her.
For one lovely Thanksgiving, that included the rare regular season NFL halftime concert worth watching.
Parton took to the field at AT&T Stadium November 23, 2023 to serenade not just the fans in attendance but a rapt audience watching from kitchens and family rooms early on the American holiday. She opened with a pre-taped message encouraging donations
to the Salvation Army. Then, she took to the stage in the middle of the gridiron pairing two iconic looks: her trademark big hair/makeup and a Dallas Cowboys cheerleading outfit.
Parton, 77 years old at the time, delivered the classics. She opened with "Jolene." She rolled from that into "9 to 5." Then, fully understanding her audience, she closed with a cover of Queen's "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions," flipping the order along the way.
Was this the reason why the Cowboys scored 25 unanswered fourth quarter points? Probably not. Was this incredible cover for small talk to lure extended family members away from debating politics? Absolutely.
Parton died Tuesday, August 25 at 80 years old. The world is better because she was in it.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Remembering Dolly Parton's incredible Cowboys Thanksgiving performance
