Vince Gill struggled to hold back his emotions as he paid tribute to Dolly Parton during a recent concert in Kansas City.

Just days after the country music legend died, Gill took the stage and performed I Will Always Love You in her memory. The emotional moment quickly became difficult for him, and several members of his band were also seen wiping tears from their eyes as the song filled the venue.

Gill’s voice carried the weight of the moment as he sang the beloved classic. When the performance ended, the crowd responded with a warm and powerful round of applause. Gill stepped away from the microphone, placed a hand over his heart, and lowered his head as he quietly took in the audience’s support.

The tribute was especially meaningful because Gill shared a long friendship and musical connection with Parton. The two country stars recorded a stripped-down version of I Will Always Love You together in 1995, creating a performance that remains special to both artists and their fans.

That same year, Gill and Parton performed the song together at the CMA Awards. After Parton’s death, Gill returned to that unforgettable moment by sharing a video of their performance on Instagram.

“We are all crushed here at our house,” Gill wrote alongside the clip. He also remembered the final note they sang together, describing it as one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard.

Watch the video below

Now, that memory carries an even deeper meaning following Parton’s death.

Dolly Parton died on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her passing sent shockwaves through the country music community, with artists around the world sharing stories, memories, and performances in her honor.

Even after her death, however, Parton’s work is far from over.

Her team has confirmed that the singer left behind a long-term plan for music, books, products, and other projects that could continue reaching fans for years to come. Her longtime manager, Danny Nozell, said Parton had worked with her carefully chosen team to create a roadmap for future projects.

Among the projects still in development are a Nashville hotel and museum, new jewelry and home products, pet products, and a Parton-themed avatar show.

There are also plans for a documentary about her Broadway musical, along with a biopic, a docuseries, a scripted series, and an animated Billy The Kid project.

For Gill, though, one of the most lasting parts of Parton’s legacy may always be the music they shared.

As he stood on stage in Kansas City, singing one of her most beloved songs through his tears, it was clear that I Will Always Love You now carries an even more heartbreaking meaning for the country star and everyone who loved Dolly Parton.