Over a year ago, Zac Brown had the honor of collaborating with the legendary Dolly Parton on a song called “Butterfly.” Although Parton has passed, Brown cherishes the remarkable moments they shared. Recently, he took the stage at Belmont University to perform the song in her memory.
On October 21, Zac Brown joined several artists in Nashville to pay tribute to the iconic singer during the event “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.” Naturally, he selected “Butterfly” from his band’s album, Love & Fear, as his performance piece.
As he stood in front of the audience, Brown reminisced about the songwriting process. He expressed his intention behind “Butterfly,” aiming to convey that even in tough times, remaining true to oneself can lead to resilience and beauty.
Although the song wasn’t initially written with Parton in mind, Brown noted that there are no coincidences in life. He stated, “It means the world to me to be here tonight to honor and perform this song with her one more time.”
Brown tapped into the deep emotional core of the song, telling a story of overcoming hardship, breaking free from the past, and finding the strength to become one’s true self. The butterfly symbolizes the transformation from feeling trapped to gaining freedom, a theme often associated with Dolly Parton. While her live vocals were absent, Zac Brown Band ensured a heartfelt tribute by performing alongside her pre-recorded voice.
In a prior interview with CMA, Brown shared that recording with Parton was an unforgettable experience. He fondly recalled dancing with her during the music video, describing it as a surreal moment.
Expressing his gratitude, Brown said he was thrilled to participate in such a significant event, surrounded by talented artists united to celebrate Parton’s legacy. He remarked, “She was a national treasure, and I’m proud to have known her and to support her legacy.”
The special event aimed to bring together artists from various genres and generations, featuring performances from renowned musicians including Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood among others. Special guests such as Bono and Julia Roberts contributed heartfelt tributes throughout the evening.
The two-hour event aired live from Belmont University on ABC and Disney+, and will be available for streaming on Hulu. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, furthering her impact on literacy and education.
Source: countrynow.com
Carrie Underwood's Heartfelt Performance On a night filled with emotion and admiration in Nashville, Carrie…
Numerous Artists Unite for Dolly Parton On the evening of Wednesday, October 21, a multitude…
John Anderson's Last Days The country music world was stunned when news broke of John…
John Anderson's Musical LegacyThe late country music legend, John Anderson, left an indelible mark on…
Kelsea Ballerini's Fond Memories of Dolly Parton Kelsea Ballerini has long considered Dolly Parton a…
John Anderson's Passing On October 21, the family of John Anderson, a revered member of…