Parton kicked things off with “Why’d You Come in Here Looking’ Like That,” bringing high energy with a signature smile as well as a hunky cowboy assistant. She told everyone to watch out for redheads, then sang “Jolene.”
She talked a lot to the audience in fact, reminiscing about her humble beginnings in Tennessee. The 70-year-old icon really took her time with her stories and seemed right at home talking on the portable microphone. Her stories worked well with new song “Pure & Simple” and the cover of John Wright’s “Precious Memories.”
Her “Coat of Many Colors” is always a good tale and she connected it with her upcoming Christmas special of the same name.
She did a medley of oldies such as “American Pie” and “If I Had a Hammer” but kept politics light. She joked about running for office saying, “They could have another boob in the race!”
Her set list was very large but gave her a chance to take a break and change costumes midway through with a short intermission. The merchandise booth was extremely busy throughout the entire night. It was a shame that she only allowed VIP ticket holders to view her dress collection that is currently traveling with her. It would have been a fun photo op for many of her loyal fans.
With a just simple a trio of band members to support her, Parton showed that’s all she really needs and played a variety of instruments herself.
Toward the end of the night she plowed through one hit after another (“9 to 5” and “Two Doors Down”), resulting in everyone dancing and singing on the lawn.
She closed with “I Will Always Love You,” which was just pitch-perfect.
View more acts on the way at Ravinia.org and follow Parton on the road at DollyParton.com. The album Pure & Simple arrives Aug. 19.