Pat Benatar recently paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton during a heartfelt performance at the One805LIVE! event, which took place at Kevin Costner’s picturesque oceanfront estate. The occasion, held on 26 September, aimed to support Santa Barbara County’s first responders while celebrating the musical contributions of both singers.
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In an emotional moment, Benatar dedicated her rendition of the classic rock song “Heartbreaker” to Parton, who passed away from cancer at the age of 80 on 25 August. The 73-year-old rock icon spoke fondly of her esteemed collaborator, referring to her as a “sweet friend.” As she prepared to perform, Benatar highlighted the significance of the song, stating, “Our last project that we did together was this song together as a whole combo.” This new rendition was part of Parton’s 2023 album, *Rockstar*, which was designed to merge the realms of rock and country music.
“Heartbreaker,” originally featured on Benatar’s 1979 album *In the Heat of the Night*, served not only as a reminder of their friendship but also as a celebration of their collective musical journey. The collaboration was a significant track on Parton’s rock album, which boasted contributions from other music legends, including Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Sting, Pink, and Brandi Carlile.
Parton had previously expressed her excitement about the album in an interview with NPR, where she revealed her approach to enlisting collaborators. “I just sent them a love note through their managers,” she explained. The positive responses were overwhelming, reflecting the respect and admiration she held in the industry. “And all the people I reached out to said, ‘Yes, we’d love to,’ and I was very honoured and very proud and very humbled by that,” she added.
In an interview with ABC News in November 2023, Benatar praised Parton, stating, “Dolly was born to rock.” She noted that whatever musical genre Parton chose, she excelled, saying, “She walked so we could fly.” This comment underscores Parton’s integral role in paving the way for future artists and genres. Furthermore, Benatar expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate, stating, “I’m happy to have finally done something together.”
The bond between the two stars developed further when Benatar and her husband, Neil Giraldo, first met Parton at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2022, where they were both honoured for their contributions to the music industry. Giraldo described the country music icon as a “very sweet, darling person,” emphasising not only her extraordinary talent but also her warm and inviting personality. “You just wanted to have her around,” he remarked, expressing a desire to spend time with her, saying, “Hey, come over for dinner, Dolly. Let’s hang out for a while.”
Following Parton’s death, both Benatar and Giraldo took to social media to share their condolences, posting a poignant tribute that resonated with many fans. They reflected, “A sad day for everyone who knew and loved Dolly. Which is pretty much everybody.” Their heartfelt message painted a picture of a beloved figure whose impact extended beyond music. They described Parton as a “dear friend, an Earth Angel and an inimitable soul,” celebrating her songwriting and singing talents.
In concluding their tribute, Benatar and Giraldo left a touching note: “The world will be a little less bright today, but Heaven will be rockin’.” The sentiment captured the essence of Parton’s legacy, one that continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals.
Benatar’s tribute at One805LIVE! serves as a reminder of the profound connections formed through music and the enduring impact of artists like Dolly Parton. Her collaborations, talent, and unyielding spirit will remain celebrated long after her passing, illustrating the vital role she played in shaping the landscape of music, particularly the genres of country and rock. As fans and fellow artists continue to honour her memory, the musical world feels her absence deeply while recognising her immeasurable contributions.