Pitbull has shared that the late Dolly Parton "believed in me when a lot of folks didn't".
The Fireball artist paused his concert at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, this week to honour Dolly, who passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 80 following a short fight with cancer.
Addressing the audience, he said: "We’re having a great time and then we’re losing our minds, but there’s someone that was very special to me and showed me love and believed in me when a lot of folks didn't and gave me an opportunity. And her name is Dolly Parton. She lived an amazing life. A hardworking woman, intelligent, sophisticated, funny, powerful, intimidating, but more than anything a good human being with a good heart. And she showed me a whole lot of love. So to all the crowds, this is dedicated to y’all, but more than anything to the legend that will live forever, Dolly Parton."
Pitbull then performed Powerful Women, his 2024 collaboration with Dolly that offered a fresh interpretation of her signature track 9 to 5.
His story about Dolly’s kindness followed Stevie Nicks revealing that she enjoyed "the best week ever" while working in the recording studio with the country legend.
The Fleetwood Mac singer joined Dolly on What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You, which appeared on the country star’s 2023 album Rockstar.
After the Jolene performer’s death, Stevie remembered receiving a personal Dolly "masterclass" and witnessing her embrace the role of a "rock star" while creating the project.
Posting a photograph of herself with Dolly on Instagram alongside a letter about their time together, Stevie wrote: "I spent a week with Dolly in Nashville to record one of my songs with her for her ‘Rock Star’ album.
"Best week ever.
"A week with Dolly was like a master class for me. I tried to be a sponge and learn everything I could learn from her - in a very few days. Learning from her was easy because she was a really good teacher. I think she saw me as a really good student; I just tried to listen.
"She said she could become a rock star - and I watched her do it. When I was there she was not even close to being finished gathering more rock and roll songs that she wanted to sing. (sic)"
