Watch: Butterfly Appears On Stage During Dolly Parton Tribute

An unexpected guest made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage during a tribute to Dolly Parton.

Mae Estes delivered a stunning rendition of Parton's 1970s classic, "Coat of Many Colors," shortly after the beloved legend's passing earlier this week. Parton died on Tuesday (August 25) after a brief battle with cancer. She was 80. Estes honored Parton from one of country music's most cherished stages. During her performance, a large yellow butterfly appeared on stage behind her.

"You can't make this up," the Opry posted on Instagram on Friday (August 28). "The spirit of Dolly Parton is strong in the Opry House. Just ask Mae Estes! A butterfly appeared flying around stage during her tribute to Dolly with 'Coat Of Many Colors'"

Parton had a lifelong appreciation for butterflies and used them as a signature "symbol" throughout her career. She told W magazine in 2021, "I used to get in trouble with my mom, 'cause they'd have to come find me and I'd be chasing a butterfly from one bush to another. …And I just kind of related to them with my own personality. I claimed them as my little symbol. And I just kind of related to them with my own personality. I claimed them as my little symbol."

Parton performed on the storied Opry stage for the first time in July 1959, when she was 13 years old. In January 1969, she became an official member. The Grand Ole Opry's show on Saturday night (August 29) will be dedicated to Parton, honoring "her life, legacy, and contributions to country music," according to a press release issued earlier this week. The lineup will include Belle Frantz (making her Opry debut), Dan Tyminski, Molly Tuttle, Channing Wilson, Carly Pearce and more.

Dan Rogers, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry, said in a statement: "Every member of the Grand Ole Opry family has a Dolly story, as does everyone around the world who was ever in her orbit. That's just one of the things that made her so special. For more than 50 years as an Opry member, she used her talent and success to bring sheer joy to millions. To every artist, she provided inspiration beyond measure. To every fan, she connected in a way that made each of us feel like the most important person in the room. Her impact will live on forever as we all carry forward the kindness, compassion and generosity she shared throughout her life. Dolly always knew exactly what to say. I'm afraid the best I have on this terribly sad day is a genuine, heartfelt, 'Thank you for everything, Dolly. We sure do love you.'"