Dolly Parton Singing Queen in a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Uniform Is a Core Thanksgiving Memory for Every NFL Fan

Dolly Parton wowed fans and seemingly took over the internet with her Thanksgiving halftime show in 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The appearance was for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys vs the Washington Commanders Thanksgiving Day game.

Then 77 years old, Parton dressed as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Her customized costume included white, fitted, micro shorts, a lowcut, midriff-revealing blue shirt and a fringed white vest emblazoned with blue stars. Transparent fabric bedazzled with rhinestones covered much of her exposed skin.

“Hello, Texas!” Parton said excitedly from the stage as she popped her hip out and rested her hand on it. “Dolly does Dallas!”

Dolly Parton Gives Dallas Cowboys Crowd On eof the Most Iconic Halftime Shows Ever

She opened her set with “Jolene” and moved into “9 to 5” as the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders bounded onto the field to dance in formation to the iconic hit. She closed her three-song set with a cover of Queen’s “We Are The Champions” from her 30-song highly collaborative Rockstar album. Other songs on the album include a combination of original rock songs and covers of some of her favorites. The track list stretches from her social commentary “World On Fire” and the title track “Rockstar” to a Miley Cyrus duet on “Wrecking Ball.” Parton’s “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” features P!nk & Brandi Carlile. She asked Chris Stapleton to join her for Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts jumped on “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” She covered Prince’s “Purple Rain” and Queen’s “We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You” alone.

Dolly Parton Wishes Happy Thanksgiving

Parton used her moment in the Dallas Cowboys spotlight to encourage people to give back this holiday season. She dressed as a Salvation Army bellringer and posed by one of their famous red kettle donation stands.

“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone,” she said. “This year, I’ve teamed up with the Salvation Army to love beyond the holidays. When you drop a dollar in that red kettle, you can make a difference for the families who are struggling to put food on the table and for the single parent who can’t make rent. Show your neighbors in need love beyond the holidays by finding a red kettle or by giving online at salvationarmyusa.org.”

It might be one year later, but the link still works. This year, Lainey Wilson will play The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during  The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys game that will air on FOX at 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 28.

(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)