Dolly Parton has been many things in her career — country star, movie actress, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member — and on Thanksgiving Day 2023, she transformed into a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Parton performed the halftime show during the Thanksgiving Day match between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, and she surprised and delighted fans everywhere by hitting the stage in a full Dallas Cowboys cheerleader outfit.
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Parton wore a bedazzled version of the classic outfit, including the long sleeved, low cut, blue crop top with white Cowboys vest. She also wore short white shorts with a Western belt buckle. Jewels along her legs and midriff completed the outfit. It's possible fans could have seen Parton's outfit coming, as a preview announcing her performance in October showed her hanging out with the iconic cheerleaders.
Although she wore the outfit, Parton didn't do any actual cheering, but instead stayed onstage to perform a few hits, including "Jolene" and "9 to 5." She also sang her version of Queen's "We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You" from her brand new Rockstar album, which she released on November 17. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders came out to join Parton during the performance, offering a dance routine as the country legend sang.
Parton's halftime performance offered entertainment to football viewers and served to promote her new album Rockstar, but her appearance had a greater purpose. The performance helped kicked off The Salvations Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign, which collects funds for families in need all over the country during the holiday season.
"When you drop a dollar in that red kettle, you could make a difference for the families that are struggling to put food on the table, and for the single parent who can't make rent this month," she said in a message before the performance.
Upon announcing her appearance at the game, she spoke of the importance of the Red Kettle Campaign.
"Those Red Kettles have long been a symbol of hope for our friends and neighbors who are facing hard times," she said. "My goal is to encourage everyone who can to donate and support their neighbors in need. Every small act of generosity helps, and together, we can all love our neighbors this holiday season and beyond."
