Dolly Parton Passes The Torch To Lainey Wilson Ahead Of Red Kettle Kickoff Performance 

Dolly Parton shared an encouraging and heartfelt message for Lainey Wilson ahead of her halftime performance.

Since 1997, The Salvation Army has launched its Red Kettle Campaign with a halftime performance at the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game. This event, known as the Red Kettle Kickoff, has showcased some of the greatest musicians over the past 27 years. Notably, Dolly Parton delivered a star-studded performance in 2023.

During her halftime performance, Dolly Parton broke the internet by wearing a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader outfit. The iconic singer was 77 years old at the time. She sang her classic hits “Jolene” and “9 to 5.”

In addition to singing her hits, she also wowed the crowd with her own rendition of “We Are the Champions.” Watch below.

Dolly Parton performing “We Are the Champions” at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Halftime Show. pic.twitter.com/NpSa1rbbN7

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 23, 2023

Lainey Wilson’s Halftime Performance

Wilson performed during halftime in a stunning all-white outfit. The ACM Entertainer of the Year entertained fans at the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants game at the AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving.

She opened her set playing her hit, “Heart Like A Truck,” and then followed up with “Hang Tight Honey” and “4x4xU.” She then surprised the crowd with a guest performer.

Jelly Roll walked out onstage singing their collab “Save Me.” The crowd erupted when Jelly Roll made his guest appearance. After their duet, Wilson took the stage again and wrapped up with her original “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”

There’s no better way to spend your Thanksgivin’ than with Lainey and the @dallascowboys! We’re so proud of our girl! Watch the full performance here: https://t.co/T70NH2L6QI pic.twitter.com/q4zpVXKdUf

— Wild Horses (@laineywldhorses) November 29, 2024

Dolly Parton’s Sweet Message To Lainey Wilson

Before she went out onstage, Dolly Parton shared a sweet message with Wilson, given that she performed the halftime show the year prior.

In the video that they projected over the stadium, Parton said:

“Hey, I’m really proud of you for using your incredible talents to help those in need. And as your biggest cheerleader, Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, that is, we can’t wait to watch you light up that stage on Thanksgiving. So good luck, and I will be cheering you on.”

In response to the touching message, Wilson said, “Oh, that’s cool, that’s cool … my Dolly, my Dolly.”

Watch the sweet moment below.