08/25/2026
Country music legend Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80.
Cowboys fans will remember Parton for one of the most memorable Thanksgiving halftime performances in recent NFL history, when she took over AT&T Stadium during Dallas' 2023 game against the Washington Commanders.
Parton performed while wearing an iconic Cowboys cheerleader outfit, singing classics “Jolene” and “9 to 5” before covering Queen's “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You.”
The performance quickly went viral and became one of the biggest talking points of the NFL's Thanksgiving slate that year.
It was part of the Cowboys' annual Thanksgiving partnership with The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, with Parton helping bring national attention to the charity during the game.
Dallas went on to dominate Washington 45-10 that afternoon, but for many Cowboys fans, Dolly's halftime performance was just as memorable as what happened on the field.
An American icon who gave Cowboys fans an unforgettable Thanksgiving memory.
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. 🙏
