When the Queen of Country met Queen Elizabeth: Dolly Parton recalls time she performed for monarch in 1977
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, Dolly Parton joined the countless condolences sent her way. After news of Her Majesty's death broke, the '9 To 5' singer recalled the moment she was privileged to meet Her Majesty in the 1970s and shared a black and white photo of the two of them together. She wrote on her Instagram, “I had the honor of meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II on my trip to London in 1977. She carried herself with grace and strength her entire life. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. Love Dolly.”
The news of the monarch's death was announced on September 8 by Buckingham Palace after it emerged that doctors were worried about her health. The statement stated, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” Later, Charles, who is currently the King, gave his first public speech earlier in a moving video.
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Queen Elizabeth II is dead, longest-reigning monarch was 96 years old
The 'Jolene' singer was invited to perform alongside The Jackson 5, Scottish singer Sydney Devine, and British comedian Frankie Howerd, as part of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.
A series of stars likewise reflected on the rare times they had been in the Queen's presence before her passing. According to Daily Mail, Daniel Craig recalled the special occasion when she joined him for the now-famous 007-themed sketch that opened the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He wrote, “It wasn’t supposed to be funny. It was supposed to be serious. She was fun, and incredibly game. We had a short space of time and I was a bit grumpy as it was my day off and suddenly I am at the Palace with the Queen at her private chamber. And she improvises a little bit. She was supposed to be sitting at the desk and she asked if she could write, so she pretended to write.”
Sir Elton John was also in the monarch’s presence many times throughout his career and expressed his ‘profound sadness’ over her death. He wrote, “She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency, and genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”
Whoopi Goldberg admitted on Twitter that she was in 'awe' when she first saw the Queen more than ten years ago while attending the Royal Variety Performance. She recalled, “Several years ago, I met Queen Elizabeth at The Royal Variety Performance of 2009. As she approached me, all I could think of was WTH?? I’m an American kid from the projects and I’m in the company of the Queen of England. I was in awe. Rest In Peace. God Save the King.”
Several years ago, I met Queen Elizebeth at The Royal Variety Performance of 2009. As she approached me, all i could think of was WTH?? I’m an American kid from the projects and I’m in the company of the Queen of England. I was in awe. Rest In Peace. God Save the King
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) September 8, 2022