When Dolly Parton sang in Irish pub while on holiday in Co Kerry

Dolly Parton singing in Irish pub Páidí Ó Sé's

A wonderful video has emerged from 1990 when American superstar Dolly Parton took a holiday to Ireland.

Parton had travelled to Ireland’s favourite getaway destination – the beautiful Co Kerry.

She was in the Dingle Peninsula when, like many visitors, the Jolene singer decided to stop by an Irish pub and take in some of the famous atmosphere.

Irish pubs are renowned for their friendly atmosphere with locals always up for the craic and willing to chat and even entertain visitors.

However, when Parton walked through the door at Páidí Ó Sé’s it was a case of role reversal in this respect.

Most people in this region of Ireland speak Gaelic but it turned out that language was no barrier for the star.

She was recognised by fans in the pub and one of the musicians – guitarist Steve Cooney who has played with several bands including Altan.

Cooney was was about to play a set. He told the legend that he played her song Coat of Many Colors and asked if she would get on stage and perform it with him.

Parton, being the star that she is, obliged and was as charming as you would expect – she even welcomed everyone to Ireland.

She told her fellow pub goers: “My name is Dolly and I’m on vacation. I had not planned to sing tonight.

“I thank all of you for being fans, and I’m having a great time here.

“I don’t know how this is going to sound because this is a first for both of us.”

She certainly didn’t disappoint and had the whole pub singing along. Parton and the band got a huge cheer at the end of the song.

What a way to make a living!

Parton later revealed that her experience inspired her to write the song We Irish.

She said: “I went to Ireland with a dear friend of mine, Walter Miller. His mom was buried in that area so he told me, ‘I want to take you to Ireland’.

“He wanted me to meet his family and friends, so we went there on holiday.

“We stayed in this little house and went to every little pub. There was a pub in every house, and even in the shoe store.

“I write about it, ‘there’s a pub on every corner, and a church to worship in’. Walter got a kick out of it, so we went to this little nightclub because of Paddy Ó Sé.

“We went to meet some friends in that saloon, and they had a band there, they knew my song and asked if I would get up and sing.

“People still say they’ve watched that video now and then, especially in Ireland.”

Take a look at the video below.

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By Andrew Moore

Andrew Moore is a writer for Irish Music Daily and Ireland Calling. His favourite Irish music bands are the Dropkick Murphys and the Pogues.