The Detroit Tigers pay tribute to Dolly Parton by playing “Jolene” at Comerica Park during batting practice after her untimely death Tuesday.
A familiar Dolly Parton song created a quiet moment at Comerica Park on Tuesday as the Detroit Tigers prepared to face the Tampa Bay Rays. “Jolene” played during early batting practice, adding significance to the routine pregame soundtrack in light of Parton’s death.
Parton passed away peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 80, her publicist said. The country music icon built a career spanning nearly six decades as a songwriter, performer, actor, businesswoman, and philanthropist. News of her death prompted tributes from fans throughout the afternoon.
MLive Media Group’s Evan Woodbery noted the song selection Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter, before the Tigers took on the Rays in the second game of the series.
“They’re playing “Jolene” during early batting practice at Comerica Park.”
The Tigers did not publicly explain whether the selection was intended as a tribute. Its timing, however, connected an ordinary part of Detroit’s preparation with the widespread remembrance of one of country music’s most influential artists.
Parton wrote and recorded “Jolene” in 1973. The song became one of her defining works and country music’s most recognizable recordings. Parton said she drew inspiration from a bank teller who appeared interested in her husband, Carl Dean. Numerous artists later recorded their versions, extending the song’s reach across generations and musical genres.
Music remains central to the atmosphere surrounding baseball, from player-selected walk-up songs to ballpark playlists between innings. Before fans filled Comerica Park on Tuesday, Parton’s unmistakable recording carried meaning beyond entertainment.
The moment offered another example of how her music continues to resonate in unexpected settings. At Comerica Park, “Jolene” served as a simple soundtrack while the sports and entertainment worlds reflected on the legendary country music artist’s enduring influence.
A familiar Dolly Parton song created a quiet moment at Comerica Park on Tuesday as the Detroit Tigers prepared to face the Tampa Bay Rays. “Jolene” played during early batting practice, adding significance to the routine pregame soundtrack in light of Parton’s death. Parton passed away peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 80, her publicist said.