Kelly Clarkson recently paid tribute to Dolly Parton with a heartfelt performance of I Will Always Love You during a private event for The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia.

On September 11, Clarkson took the stage in front of Coca-Cola employees and delivered a powerful version of Parton’s beloved classic. Backed by soft instrumentation, she began the song quietly before gradually building up to its emotional final moments.

Clarkson closed her eyes as she poured emotion into the performance, showing off the strong vocals that have made her one of the most recognized singers of her generation. Her final notes were met with loud cheers from the crowd.

Watch the video below

The private concert also included several of Clarkson’s biggest hits, including Miss Independent, Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You), Since U Been Gone, Because Of You and Breakaway.

Clarkson’s performance came shortly after Parton’s death on August 25. Like many artists, the singer previously took to social media to remember the country music legend and reflect on her impact.

“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” Clarkson wrote. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will.”

This was not Clarkson’s first time singing I Will Always Love You. She previously performed the song on The Kelly Clarkson Show, which ended on August 31 after seven years and more than 1,200 episodes.

Clarkson said she decided to leave the daytime show to spend more time with her children, calling them the biggest reason behind her decision.

Although she currently has no official tour announced, Clarkson is set to return to Stagecoach in 2027, where she will perform on the Mane Stage.

Kelly Clarkson begins a new chapter

Kelly announced her decision to step away from the Emmy-winning daytime programme earlier this year, explaining that the demanding daily schedule no longer worked for her family.

“Stepping away from the daily schedule will allow me to prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives,” she said in her official announcement.

However, Kelly has made it clear that she isn’t retreating from the spotlight. Alongside continuing to record and perform music, she is returning to the famous red chair for Season 30 of The Voice.

The new season premieres on NBC on 21 September and will see Kelly joined by Adam Levine, Queen Latifah and Riley Green, according to the network’s official announcement.

Did Kelly Clarkson really cut her hair?

Although the Atlanta appearance has convinced many fans that Kelly has cut her long hair, the singer has pulled off a similar illusion before.

Kelly appeared with a sleek bob in promotional footage for The Voice released in 2025, leading viewers to believe she had opted for a dramatic chop.

She later revealed during a Las Vegas concert that hairstylist Robert Ramos had concealed most of her long hair in braids before shaping the remaining strands into a convincing faux bob.

“My hair guy, Robert, is so good,” Kelly told the audience in a video from the performance.

The singer admitted that she had considered making the transformation permanent, saying: “I asked for a bob, because I really want to cut my hair.”

Whether the tousled Atlanta version is a genuine cut or another clever styling trick remains to be seen. As Kelly said after unveiling her previous bob: “But I didn’t.”