Harry Styles pays tribute to Dolly Parton at MSG residency opening night: 'We love you'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Harry Styles paid tribute to Dolly Parton during the opening night of his “Together, Together” residency at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, August 26. 

Remembering the country music legend, who died at 80 just one day earlier, Styles reflected on the profound influence she had on every artist. He also honored Parton by performing her iconic 1974 song “I Will Always Love You” during the concert.

Harry Styles remembers Dolly Parton as an 'inspiration' during emotional MSG opening night

“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 crowd. “Dolly, we love you. Thank you so much.”

As “I Will Always Love You” played at the famous venue, actress Drew Barrymore and CBS Mornings host Gayle King were also spotted in the audience singing along. Even though Styles and Parton had never worked professionally together, he was among the many who celebrated Parton’s life.

He didn’t share any posts on social media, but it seems he chose to pay tribute to her in front of his audience at one of the biggest and most significant venues, Madison Square Garden.

Styles kicked off his first of a 30-date residency at MSG. This marks his first set of live shows since 2023, following the release of his recent album, 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally', which was released this year.

Dolly Parton's health struggles before death

Representatives of the country music legend announced that she died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, where she had been hospitalized since August 21. Before her death, Parton experienced some health problems that kept her from appearing in public and fulfilling her professional duties.

Her representatives told PEOPLE, “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched." "Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” they shared in a statement.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact."

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement said. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in an Instagram video, as per the publication.