Brief
Kelly Clarkson says Dolly Parton’s words steadied her before ACM performance
Clarkson said the late country icon offered a brief, grounding exchange backstage at the 2022 ACM Awards.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kelly Clarkson told the Las Culturistas podcast on Sept. 30 that Dolly Parton spoke to her backstage at the Academy of Country Music Awards on March 7, 2022, just minutes after she learned her divorce from Brandon Blackstock had been finalized.
What happened
Clarkson said she first met Parton at a Reba McEntire tribute years earlier and later ran into her backstage at the ACM Awards, where Clarkson was set to perform “I Will Always Love You.”
What the report adds
Billboard noted that Parton, who died in August 2026 at age 80 following a brief cancer battle, was watching from the side of the stage while Clarkson prepared to go on. The article also referenced the long‑standing legal dispute between Clarkson and former manager Brandon Blackstock, settled in 2024, and Blackstock’s death in 2025.
What was said
Clarkson recalled saying, “She, kind of, caught me. I was like, ‘I’m sorry. It’s just kind of a wild moment for me,’” and added, “She’s just one of those people you don’t have to know your whole life, but you can in one instance.” The exact words Parton told her were not disclosed.
How it came about
Clarkson’s recollection follows recent Felo News coverage of Parton’s posthumous museum opening and tributes, linking the singer’s lasting influence on fellow artists.
Key facts
- Clarkson performed at the ACM Awards on March 7, 2022. (billboard.com)
- She learned her divorce from Brandon Blackstock was finalized 30 minutes before her performance. (billboard.com)
- Dolly Parton was backstage and spoke to Clarkson at that moment. (billboard.com)
- Parton died in August 2026 at age 80 after a brief cancer battle. (billboard.com)
- Blackstock died in 2025 after a three‑year battle with cancer. (billboard.com)
Timeline
- 2022-03-07 — Clarkson performed at the ACM Awards and spoke with Parton backstage.
- 2024-01-01 — Clarkson and Blackstock settled their legal dispute over unpaid fees.
- 2025-01-01 — Brandon Blackstock died after battling cancer.
- 2026-08-01 — Dolly Parton died at age 80.
What we don't know yet
- Exact words Dolly Parton said to Clarkson were not provided.
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “Kelly Clarkson Recalls Dolly Parton’s ‘Beautiful’ Words to Her 30 Minutes After Her Divorce Was Finalized”
