Ellen DeGeneres, known for her heartwarming surprises, welcomed 5-year-old Violet Burdick and her dad Ryan to The Ellen DeGeneres Show for a truly unforgettable moment. Violet, a devoted fan of country music legend Dolly Parton, had the opportunity to share her love for the iconic singer and even perform one of her biggest hits, “Jolene,” on national television.
During her appearance on the show, Violet shared with Ellen why she admires Dolly so much. “Because she has a beautiful voice and she gives books to kids in need,” Violet exclaimed, referring to Dolly’s Imagination Library, a philanthropic program that provides free books to children. Violet’s dad, Ryan, elaborated on how Violet’s love for Dolly grew from receiving books through the program, each adorned with a photograph of Dolly on the back page. This simple gesture sparked Violet’s interest in the beloved singer, leading her to become a dedicated fan.
As the conversation continued, Ellen asked Violet about Dolly’s life, to which Violet sweetly recalled the story of Dolly’s “Coat of Many Colors” and the song “Jolene.” Explaining the meaning behind the song, Violet shared, “Jolene is about a girl named Jolene and she wanted to take Dolly’s man.”
The highlight of the show came when Violet took center stage with her dad to perform “Jolene” for Ellen and the audience. With her innocent yet powerful voice, Violet delivered a heartwarming rendition of the iconic song, captivating everyone in the studio with her talent and enthusiasm.
Ellen, touched by Violet’s love for Dolly, had a special surprise in store for the young fan. As a token of appreciation for Violet’s admiration and to fulfill her dream, Ellen announced that Violet and her family would be receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to Dollywood, Dolly’s theme park in Tennessee, courtesy of Shutterfly.
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The joy and excitement on Violet’s face were palpable as she received the news of her dream trip. This heartwarming moment not only showcased Violet’s passion for Dolly but also highlighted the power of music and generosity to bring joy and inspiration to people of all ages.
To view Violet’s adorable performance, click the video!
