Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy KIRSTEN MURRAY, SENIOR SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER Published: 08:13 BST, 28 August 2026 | Updated: 08:40 BST, 28 August 2026
Ariana Grande is the latest popstar to honour the late Dolly Parton during a poignant pre-show tribute in London on Thursday night. The singer, 33, is in the middle of her 10-show run at the O2 Arena as part of her Eternal Sunshine tour. And following Dolly's death on Tuesday, Ariana began her show on Thursday by playing a video of the country singer singing her hit I Will Always Love You back in 1974. As the arena filled with purple lights, fans were seen singing along and waving their arms as they celebrated the tribute. It was announced on Tuesday that the 9 To 5 singer had died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer.Harry Styles also paid tribute to the late star during the first night of his Madison Square Garden residency on Wednesday. Ariana Grande shared poignant pre-show tribute to Dolly Parton during her Eternal Sunshine concert in London just five days before taking break from showbusiness Following Dolly's death on Tuesday, Ariana began her show on Thursday by playing a video of the country singer singing her hit I Will Always Love You back in 1974Taking a moment to pay his respects to Dolly as he told fans: 'I just want to say thank you to all the musicians over the years that have inspired me. Dolly thank you so much.' His band then began playing I Will Always Love You alongside the 1974 track with Dolly singing as Harry encouraged fans to sing along. Meanwhile Ariana's seventh show at the O2 marks one of her last shows before the singer withdraws from showbusiness indefinitely in September. Earlier this month Ariana shocked fans when she announced on stage at a Chicago concert of her Eternal Sunshine tour that she was stepping back from the spotlight to 'set boundaries' and said 'human beings need a break sometimes'.Ariana's schedule has been nonstop for the past five years, with the star filming both parts of Wicked, promoting the films, shooting Focker-in-Law and releasing two albums – Eternal Sunshine and Petal before beginning the tour.Her shock break has come amid a roiling online outcry over her new music video Petal, in which her figure was strikingly thin.The singer has also quit her upcoming West End role Sunday In The Park with George in which she was set to star opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.Ariana's spokesman told PEOPLE: 'Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour. Harry Styles also paid tribute to the late star during the first night of his Madison Square Garden residency on Wednesday (pictured performing in London) 'She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.''This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.'A source close to the singer explained that Ariana's tour involves a very physical and athletic performance which she performs at a healthy and high level.A statement from the producers of Sunday in the Park with George, Empire Street Productions, read: 'Following this evening's announcement from Ariana Grande's team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.'We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support.'We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.'
