JACK WHITE BREAKS FROM HIS USUAL SETLIST FOR A HAUNTING DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE
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Just hours after the music world learned of Dolly Parton’s death, Jack White brought one of her most iconic songs back to the stage — in a moment that felt especially personal.
During his concert at London’s Eventim Apollo on Tuesday night, White performed an emotional rendition of “Jolene,” Parton’s beloved 1974 classic, as a tribute to the country music legend.
The performance carried extra weight because White has a long history with the song. The White Stripes regularly performed their own version of “Jolene” in concert, and their rendition later appeared as the B-side of their 2000 single “Hello Operator.”
But this time, the song had a different meaning.
At the end of the performance, White pointed toward the sky before making the sign of the cross — a quiet gesture that made the tribute even more poignant.
Jack White in London
White later shared footage of the performance on social media, allowing fans who were not in the London crowd to witness the emotional moment.
There was also a remarkable connection between the two musicians that made the tribute feel even more meaningful.
Parton herself had praised The White Stripes’ version of “Jolene,” once calling it “one of the greatest versions ever” of her song. She also revealed that she had met White for dinner in Los Angeles and had discussed the possibility of making music together someday.
That collaboration never happened.
Instead, years later, White found another way to honor Parton — by returning to the song that had connected their musical worlds for decades.
According to Setlist.fm, the London performance marked the first time White had performed “Jolene” live since 2007, making its sudden return to his set particularly striking.
Before taking the stage, White had also shared a photo of Parton on Instagram with the simple caption “Instant Sainthood.”
His label, Third Man Records, separately celebrated Parton’s legacy not only as a musician but also for her philanthropy, including her Imagination Library and support for education, literacy, disaster relief and communities in need.
For White, though, the tribute ultimately came down to music.
A song Dolly Parton wrote more than five decades ago became, once again, a way for another artist to say goodbye.