Dolly Parton's 1990 visit to Irish pub remembered after star's death

Following the recent death of country music legend Dolly Parton at the age of 80, Páidí Ó Sé's Pub in Ceann Trá, County Kerry, has become a focal point for tributes. Dozens of tourists and locals have been visiting the pub, owned by the late Kerry football legend Páidí Ó Sé, to commemorate Parton's memorable 1990 visit.

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It was an unbelievable moment to have the late superstar visit the pub.

During her visit, Parton delivered a performance of her song "Coat of Many Colors," accompanied by renowned musicians Steve Cooney and Seamus Begley. A cherished memento from her visit was the 1985 All-Ireland Kerry jersey belonging to Páidí Ó Sé himself, which she took home and reportedly still has framed. She concluded her performance with a warm "thank you very much and welcome to Dinglewood."

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My mother tells me from that night … she had been in the area and the person that was minding her, her manager had connections to Ventry. They stopped in our little grocery shop across the street where my grandmother was the shop lady. It was from there that my grandmother convinced her to come to the bar that night.

Pádraig Ó Sé, son of the iconic Kerry footballer and manager, shared that the superstar's visit was an "unbelievable moment" for the family and the pub. He noted a significant influx of American tourists eager to see photographs from the event. Ó Sé recounted how his grandmother, who was working in their grocery shop across the street, convinced Parton to visit the pub that evening.

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The footage is all over … it is unbelievable to see the amount of tributes pouring in.

"The footage is all over … it is unbelievable to see the amount of tributes pouring in," Mr. Ó Sé remarked. He reflected on the enduring legacy of both Parton and his father, stating, "It was a monumental moment, a huge story for us at the bar." He added that while both Parton and his father are now gone, their shared memory continues to put the pub on the map, highlighting the lasting impact of that special night.

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It was a monumental moment, a huge story for us at the bar.