Harry Styles paid tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton during the opening night of his Madison Square Garden residency, remembering the late icon before performing her classic song I Will Always Love You.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, during Wednesday night’s show, the first of his 30-date Together, Together residency, Styles paused to honour the musicians who had inspired him throughout his career.
“We’ve got a couple of songs left for you, but first I wanna say a proper thank you to all the musicians over the years who have inspired me,” Styles told the audience. “Dolly, we love you. Thank you so much.”
He then performed Parton’s 1974 song I Will Always Love You, which was originally written and recorded by the country star before becoming an international hit through subsequent versions.
Actress Drew Barrymore and CBS Mornings host Gayle King were among those in the audience and were seen singing along during the performance.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday at the age of 80, according to her representative.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver later shared a video announcing her death at the singer’s request.
Her cause of death was subsequently reported as cancer.
Styles and Parton never collaborated professionally, but the former One Direction member is among numerous stars who have paid tribute to the music icon since her death. Parton’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Celine Dion, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Beyoncé and Kevin Costner are among the celebrities who have shared tributes.
The tribute came as Styles returned to the stage for the first time since 2023.
His Madison Square Garden residency supports his latest album, Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally., which was released earlier this year.
The residency has already generated enormous demand.
According to Ticketmaster, the presale attracted 11.5 million ticket registrations, marking the highest volume ever recorded for an artist presale.
Styles’ Together, Together run at Madison Square Garden will continue through Halloween.
