08/26/2026
The 2024 Sun Bowl Halftime show, featuring Dolly Parton's Jolene and 9-to-5.
On November 23rd, 2024 the Cardinal Marching Band debuted their halftime show themed after Dolly Parton. With her inspirational history and exceptional musicianship, the CMB paid tribute by performing a few of her popular tunes - 9-to-5, Baby I'm Burnin', and Jolene.
That following December, the CMB performed Jolene and 9-to-5 for the halftime show in El Paso, Texas for the Sun Bowl. Even if there were football fans not dawning Louisville apparel, many within the stadium would sing along to Dolly Parton's songs. In a moment of rivalry, music had once again united everyone.
Dolly Parton was known as "The Queen of Country Music." Having performed at the Kentucky State Fair in 1978 and performed at the Louisville Palace in 2008, she was a major inspirational influence within the state of Kentucky. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library has covered all 120 Kentucky counties, providing free books to children - to which many Louisville-native artists have contributed to. She was named a Kentucky Colonel during her visit to the state in 2024.
Miss Dolly was not only a singer and songwriter, but a philanthropist and storyteller. Her history and philosophy is a lesson to all that will hear it, and she will continue to inspire as she is laid to rest. The city of Louisville and all of Kentucky will miss her.
"If you see someone without a smile today, give them yours." - Dolly Parton.