Jack White paid tribute to Dolly Parton with a live cover her famous song “Jolene” during his show at London’s Eventim Apollo on Tuesday night.
White later shared a video of the emotional cover on his Instagram page. At the end of the clip, White points to the sky and makes the sign of the cross.
The musician has a long history of covering “Jolene,” Parton’s 1974 hit single. The White Stripes frequently showcased their version of the song in concert, and included their rendition as the B-side to their 2000 single “Hello Operator.”
In 2016, Parton told The Guardian she considered the White Stripes’ take on her song “one of the greatest versions ever of ‘Jolene.’” She added, “I had a chance to have dinner with Jack in LA not long ago and we talked about the possibility of someday down the road that we may get together to do something. I haven’t had time to sit down and really focus with someone else on an album. But he would be someone wonderful. And I think we would make some beautiful music together.”
White and Parton never officially worked together despite her hinting at a possible collaboration, and, according to Setlist.fm, last night was the first time he had covered “Jolene” live since 2007.
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Prior to his concert, White posted a photograph of Parton on Instagram with the caption, “Instant Sainthood.”
His record label Third Man Records added in a statement, “Dolly’s legacy goes far beyond the music. For decades, she’s used her voice, her success, and her heart to make a difference. From the Imagination Library putting millions of books into children’s hands to supporting education, literacy, disaster relief, and communities in need. An incredible artist, philanthropist, advocate, and human being. Thank you, Dolly, for a lifetime of giving back and making the world a little brighter.”
