Grand Ole Opry apologizes after Elle King performs Dolly Parton cover 'hammered'

The Grand Ole Opry has apologized after Elle King came under fire for her performance Friday night during a Dolly Parton tribute concert celebrating the country legend's 78th birthday.

After a user on X, formerly Twitter, complained that the singer-songwriter, and daughter of actor-comedian Rob Schneider, had "ruined the night with her horrible, drunk, and profane performance," the Grand Ole Opry responded with an apology.

"We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night's second Opry performance," the Opry's post said.

King was caught on video from multiple angles performing what fans thought was a tasteless cover of Parton's "Marry Me."

During the performance, according to one TikTok video, the "Worth A Shot" singer admitted onstage she didn't know the words to the song: "I don't know the lyrics to these things in this (expletive) town/Don't tell Dolly 'cause it's her birthday." Addressing the audience, she said: "I'm not even gonna (expletive) lie … y'all bought tickets for this (expletive), you ain't getting your money back."

"I don't want it," one fan could be heard shouting back. "Good, 'cause you ain't getting it," King replied.

More: Dolly Parton talks new memoir, Broadway musical and being everybody's 'favorite aunt'

Then, she added: "I'll tell you one thing more … hi, my name is Elle King. I'm (expletive) hammered." According to TikTok user @jamiek721, King cursed over a dozen times at the Ryman Auditorium Friday where children were also in attendance.

At a different point during her stint onstage, someone else suggested King perform one of her songs. She responded, "I can barely play another person's song, let me see if I can play one of mine."

Parton celebrated her 78th birthday on Jan. 19 with several events honoring the country star in Nashville, Tennesse. One of those was a night at the Grand Ole Opry dedicated to Parton, with performances from Terri Clark, Elle King, Tigirlily Gold, Ashley Monroe, Dailey and Vincent and more.

Singer Lauren Alaina was also slated to perform Friday night, but according to the Grand Ole Opry on X, "due to unforeseen circumstances, @Lauren_Alaina will no longer be appearing on tonight's 'Opry Goes Dolly' shows."

King has not addressed the performance yet.

More: Dolly Parton celebrates her birthday with a bonus edition of her 'Rockstar' album

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elle King performance for Dolly Parton's birthday facing backlash