Zac Brown Performs ‘Butterfly’ Alongside Dolly Parton’s Vocals ‘One More Time’ in Moving Tribute
“It means the world to me to be here tonight to honor and perform this song…” said Brown.
Zac Brown; Photo by Kayla Schoen/CMA
A little over a year ago, Zac Brown had the pleasure of recording a song titled “Butterfly” with the great Dolly Parton. Although the country icon is no longer here, Brown will never forget all the “extraordinary” experiences he had with her and because of that, he proudly took the stage at Belmont University and sang the song in remembrance of her.
Zac Brown was among the many acts that came together in Nashville on Wednesday, October 21 to pay tribute to the “Jolene” singer on “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.”
Naturally, he chose to perform “Butterfly,” a song that appears on the band’s Love & Fear album. Standing in front of the audience, Brown recalled the moment he first sat down to write this song with the intention of giving them the understanding that “even when life is hard, if you stay true to who you are…you can emerge stronger and more beautiful.”
It wasn’t originally written with Dolly Parton in mind, but looking back, Brown realizes that there “are no coincidences.”
He added, “It means the world to me to be here tonight to honor and perform this song with her one more time.”
From there, Brown tapped into the true vulnerability behind the empowering track, while depicting the story about overcoming pain, breaking free from a difficult past, and discovering the strength to become the person you were always meant to be.
The butterfly, a symbol that is often associated with Dolly Parton, represents the journey from feeling trapped or broken to becoming free. Although Parton’s live vocals were missed in this performance, Zac Brown Band made sure to do it justice as he sang alongside her pre-recorded voice.
In a previous interview with CMA, he spoke to the rare opportunity to record music alongside the icon, admitting it was something he will “never, ever forget.”
“She’s just so kind and loving…I remember dancing with her in the video and twirling her around and just pinch me moments,” he shared in a pre-show interview with CMA.
Brown also acknowledged how “happy” he was to be present for such a special night and surrounded by so many incredible artists who all came together with one mission: to honor Dolly Parton.
“She was a national treasure and I’m just proud to have known her and proud to be able to be here in support of her legacy.”
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” set out to unite artists from multiple generations and genres with a star-powered list of performers. The lineup included a mix of fellow Country Music Hall of Fame members, country music superstars, and celebrated bluegrass acts, Broadway and beyond.
Among those who took the stage were Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, and Vince Gill. Additionally, Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley joined as special guests.
Along with the unforgettable performances, the night featured special tributes from some of Dolly’s friends and longtime connections throughout the entertainment industry, like Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey.
The two-hour special was broadcast live from Belmont University on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally. Filmed before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the special will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
The CMA and Belmont University will donate a portion of the proceeds from tonight’s event to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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