The NFL wound up with two highly discussed halftime shows on Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions battle, rapper Jack Harlow was criticized for delivering what many described as a boring performance. Some on social media even likened his performance to a middle school talent show.
But the reactions were far different for Dolly Parton at halftime of the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys game.
Reactions to Dolly Parton’s Cowboys Halftime Show
Clad in a Cowboys-themed cheerleader outfit, the 77-year-old Parton found a way to spark strong reactions online through her sparkling outfit and performance.
How did you feel about Dolly Parton’s halftime show? 👀#NFL
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 23, 2023
Parton sang a wide range of songs, from her own hit single “9-to-5” to Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” In the process, she had many hailing her performance. And that included fellow musicians.
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“Have to admit. It’s better than Jack Harlow,” said singer/songwriter David Potts on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Have to admit. It’s better than Jack Harlow. #DALvsWAS #DollyParton pic.twitter.com/0iEwSo82AN
— David Potts (@DivineTurbine) November 23, 2023
Several others online reminded people that Parton is near her 80s and still flaunting her stage presence.
Even veteran Cowboys writer Clarence Hill praised the performance and Parton’s attire. “Never too old to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader,” were some of the words Hill posted.
One, however, wasn’t too fond of her performance. Ex-NFL wide receiver for the New England Patriots and St. Louis Rams T.J. Moe called it absurd.
“She’s 77 years old and wearing a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader uniform on stage. I’m a Dolly fan, but this is absurd,” Moe said on X.
Others, however, still showered Parton with praise. Some hailed her as a national treasure. Others said that Parton had just shut down Thanksgiving with her performance.
Lastly, even CBS Sports color commentator and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was at a loss for words watching Parton perform.
Tony Romo wanted to just keep talking about Dolly Parton as Jim Nantz tried to change the subject to the Commanders-Cowboys game. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/fjN1nMk0l3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 23, 2023
Did Parton Leave Behind $1 Million?
Parton’s performance was put on by the Salvation Army. In a promo before her performance, Parton stood in front of a blinged-out Salvation Army donation bucket — the non-profit company’s trademark item.
.@DollyParton officially kicked off the giving season with an incredible #RedKettleKickoff performance ⭐
Every dollar you give to @SalvationArmyUS helps your neighbors in need during the holidays and all year long. #SalvationArmy pic.twitter.com/VHpHciEh2a
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 23, 2023
But, according to longtime Cowboys reporter Ed Werder of ESPN, the multiple Grammy winner left behind a massive donation.
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“Dolly Parton donated $1M to the Salvation Army this week,” Werder reported.
But again, the talk of social media was Parton, at her age, entertaining the masses from her cheerleader-inspired outfit to maintaining her voice years since her rise to stardom. Even one of the more outspoken Cowboys fans, Fox Sports personality Skip Bayless, revered her.
“How bout that Dolly Parton. Talk about dressing for the occasion. Now that is impressive,” Bayless posted.
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