Texas, for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving
Day game against the Washington Commanders.
Dolly Parton. PHOTO:
RON JENKINS/GETT
For the high-energy performance, the iconic signer wore a version of the Cowboys’ cheerleader uniform, featuring a white vest with blue stars, a chest-baring blue crop top, and white shorts. While the ensemble gave the appearance of a bare midriff, her belly was actually covered by a totally bedazzled mesh. A crystal star was over Parton’s belly button, and more crystals dotted the tights she wore.
Parton kicked off the halftime show with her beloved song “Jolene,” later transitioning to another classic, “9 to 5.” She also performed her cover of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”
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Parton was announced as this year’s Thanksgiving Day game halftime performer last month, calling the partnership with The Salvation Army “an honor” in a press statement.
“Those Red Kettles have long been a symbol of hope for our friends and neighbors who are facing hard times,” she said at the time. “My goal is to encourage everyone who can to 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.”
The singer-songwriter unveiled her latest album Rockstar on Nov. 17, and the 30-track set features both covers and original songs as well as collaborations with artists including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Pink, Brandi Carlile, Melissa Etheridge and Sting, among others.
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Ahead of the album drop, Parton released her version of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” — a duet with the 30-year-old pop star, who’s also her goddaughter — and spoke about the song in an Instagram video.
“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,” Parton said in the clip. “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?’”