Ariana Grande is the latest pop star to honor the late Dolly Parton in a moving tribute ahead of the show in London on Thursday night.
The 33-year-old singer is in the middle of her ten shows at the O2 Arena as part of her Eternal Sunshine tour.
And following Dolly’s death on Tuesday, Ariana started her show on Thursday by playing a video of the country singer singing her 1974 hit I Will Always Love You.
As the arena filled with purple lights, fans were seen singing along and waving their arms as they celebrated the tribute.
On Tuesday it was announced that the 9 To 5 singer had died at the age of 80 after a short 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 a poignant pre-show tribute to Dolly Parton at her Eternal Sunshine concert in London, just five days before taking a break from show business
Following Dolly’s death on Tuesday, Ariana started her show on Thursday by playing a video of the country singer singing her 1974 hit I Will Always Love You.
Let me take a moment to pay my respects to Dolly as he told the fans, “I just want to thank all the musicians who have inspired me over the years. Dolly, thank you very much.’
His band then began playing I Will Always Love You alongside the 1974 song, with Dolly singing while Harry encouraged fans to sing along.
Meanwhile, Ariana’s seventh show at the O2 marks one of her final shows before the singer retires indefinitely from showbusiness in September.
Earlier this month, Ariana shocked fans when she announced during a Chicago concert on her Eternal Sunshine tour that she was stepping back from the spotlight to “set boundaries” and said that “sometimes people need a break.”
Ariana’s schedule has been non-stop for the past five years, with the star filming both parts of Wicked, promoting the films, recording Focker-in-Law and releasing two albums: Eternal Sunshine and Petal before embarking on the tour.
Her shock came amid a frenzy online outrage over her new music video Petal, which showed her figure noticeably thin.
The singer has also dropped her upcoming West End role Sunday In The Park with George, in which she was due to star opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.
Ariana’s spokesperson told PEOPLE, “Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after completing the Eternal Sunshine Tour.
Harry Styles also paid tribute to the late star on Wednesday during the first night of his Madison Square Garden residency (pictured during a performance in London)
“She looks forward to wrapping up the tour and ending it on a high, both healthy and happy, and then taking a well-deserved break from public work and performances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
‘This tour has been a wonderful experience for her. She loves her fans and has thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this tour.”
A source close to the singer explained that Ariana’s tour involves a very physical and athletic performance that 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 tonight’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 it is made with our full understanding and support.
“We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open as planned at the Barbican in summer 2027 and casting will be announced in due course.”
