Dolly Parton has spoken out after fans claimed that singer Elle King 'ruined' her birthday party with a 'drunken' performance on stage.
The country music icon celebrated turning 78 last month and was honored with a tribute show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
While most of the show went off without a hitch, fans were not so happy when singer Elle King, 34, took to the stage, claiming that she butchered Dolly's 2001 hit 'Marry Me' because she was drunk.
Now, Dolly has finally spoken out in her first interview since her birthday, and defended the singer who has been "going through hard things lately".
Dolly addressed the expletive-laden performance, telling Extra: "Elle is a really great artist. She's a great girl, and she's been going through hard things lately."
The compassionate star added: "[She] just had a little too much to drink, so let’s just forgive that and forget it and move on, 'cause she felt worse than anyone ever could."
Elle's performance had sparked controversy after it became obvious that she could not remember the lyrics to 'Marry Me' and admitted she was "hammered" on stage.
She told the audience: "I don't know the lyrics, don't tell Dolly 'cause it's her birthday," before telling the crowd: "Y'all bought tickets for this s**T. You ain't gettin' your money back."
Dolly's sister Stella spoke out after the controversial performance, believing it was disrespectful of Elle to take to the stage in such a state.
She tweeted at the time: "Since we’re comparing apples to oranges on here. I’m still stewing and thinking bout how any lil spoiled brat with an opportunity to sing on the Opry to pay tribute to a legendary songwriter like Dolly Parton would just p**s on the star circle on the stage. Taylor Swift wouldn’t."
After the video of her performance went viral, Elle rescheduled a concert at Billy Bob's Texas two days before it was due to take place on January 26, pushing it back to September 2024 instead.
The 'Exes and Ohs' singer has previously spoken about her relationship with alcohol, telling the San Diego Tribune: "It's easier for me to say: 'Yeah, I want to drink and party and (then) go on stage.'
"I get nervous before I go on stage, so I have a couple of drinks first. Drinking makes me less nervous about hitting the notes when I sing. If I don't make them, it won't sting as much."
Thankfully, while the public might not have taken kindly to the performance, it seems Dolly is understanding of Elle despite the backlash.