Fans have been remembering Dolly Parton‘s historic 2014 Glastonbury legends slot following her death aged 80 – watch footage below.
The country icon’s death was announced by her family earlier today (August 25), who said in a statement: “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
Among the defining moments from Parton’s career that fans are revisiting is her appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2014, when she played the festival’s coveted Sunday afternoon legends slot.
The performance drew one of the most impressive crowds in the festival’s history, with organiser Emily Eavis later describing it as the largest audience she had ever witnessed at Worthy Farm.
Her set included her classic hits such as ‘Jolene’, ‘Coat Of Many Colors’, ‘Here You Come Again’, ‘Islands In The Stream’, ‘9 To 5’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’, as well as a song she wrote especially for the festival about the famous Glastonbury mud.
Watch clips from the performance here:
Eavis has reflected on the show in the wake of Parton’s passing, writing: “Oh Dolly, what an untouchable legend. I will never forget her coming here in 2014 and bringing her incredible songs, overflowing joy and wonderful spirit to Worthy Farm.”
“We had always dreamt of booking her for Glastonbury and I started to think that maybe it would never happen, but the starts aligned and she finally said yes.”
Eavis continued: “From the moment she arrived, she was an absolute delight, just so lovely. There was a vast crowd in the field for her slot, the sun shone, and when she walked out on to the Pyramid Stage she reigned supreme. It was just magic. Thank you for it all, Dolly.”
See other reflections on Dolly’s unforgettable Glastonbury show here:
Glastonbury 2014 – what a day! 🤠🩷#dolly pic.twitter.com/z2wnGarRVn
— Ruth Fleet (@RuthFleet1) August 25, 2026
Seeing Dolly at Glastonbury in 2014 was an unexpected highlight. Her storytelling and ability to entertain was a real gift https://t.co/zsLQKMcsWS
— Phil (@Unofficial_Phil) August 25, 2026
Still one of the best Glastonbury Legend Slots, and my first Glasto in 2014. #RIPDolly #DollyParton #Glasto pic.twitter.com/W5645oPnCp
— Christian Darby (@ChristianDarby9) August 25, 2026
Oh Dolly 🥹 thank you for one of the best afternoons of my life. So lucky to have been there #dollyparton #glastonbury pic.twitter.com/0t60nJGcrV
— rachel (@xrachelx1_) August 25, 2026
Wow! Most unexpected #Dollyparton rip you wonderful person! I only got to see you once ‘#Glastonburyfestival I was only few feet from you #pit #tog Never seen a pit so rammed with photographers like your set! #Glastonbury #Dolly #Best <3 pic.twitter.com/zLlcLu6pK1
— JAMIE (@JamieCooney101) August 25, 2026
Writing about the performance at the time, NME wrote: “When Dolly Parton came onstage it felt as though the entire festival had fathered for the spectacle.”
“From the bleary-eyed up-all-nighters stumbling down from the Stone Circle, hip 20-somethings from the Park Stage, to the politicos in the Left Field, she brought a magical sense of unity to Worthy Farm.”
The set also saw her bring Richie Sambora onto the stage for a reworked version of Bon Jovi‘s ‘Lay Your Hands On Me’
Some speculated that Parton had mimed during the performance, which the singer denied, with her spokesperson saying: “Dolly sings live. Some people don’t know an amazing singer when they hear one.”
In her family’s statement confirming her passing, they said: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the statement continued. “With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.”
“Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
The NME obituary for Parton concludes: “As we all reel from Dolly Parton’s death, that glorious 2014 Glastonbury set may prove a balm. Introducing ‘Coat of Many Colors’, her 1971 country hit about a patchwork coat sewn by her mother, this humble “farmer’s daughter” paid tribute to her family’s love and resilience. Resplendent in her rhinestone suit, she embodied both qualities as a unifying icon. The world has become more divided since that set, but everyone will always love Dolly.”
