Kesha pays tribute to Dolly Parton with ‘Old Flames’ cover at Pittsburgh concert

Kesha honoured Dolly Parton by performing Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You), written by her mother Pebe Sebert

Kesha paid tribute to Dolly Parton during her concert at the Pavilion at Star Lake in Pittsburgh on Aug. 25, performing Parton’s 1980 hit “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)”.

The song has a personal connection to Kesha, as it was co-written by her mother, songwriter Pebe Sebert. The track was originally released by Joe Sun in 1978 before Parton recorded her version two years later.

Speaking to the crowd, Kesha reflected on Parton’s influence and her family’s connection to the song.

“I just want to say thank you for bringing me so much joy today, because earlier today, I’m sure many of y’all know that we lost Ms. Dolly Parton,” Kesha told the audience. “We literally lost an angel. But through her art and through her kindness and through her love, she will live forever.”

Kesha also explained how important her mother’s songwriting credit had been to her family.

“And I want to talk about her a little bit. For those of you who don’t know, I come from a long lineage of songwriters and before I was born, my mom actually wrote a song for Dolly Parton. And that song bought us a house, like a roof. That song put me through school.”

Kesha pays an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton at her Pittsburgh, PA show tonight by singing ‘Old Flames (Can’t Hold A Candle To You)’ - written by Kesha’s mom Pebe Sebert for Dolly Parton. 🩷✨ #DollyParton #Kesha @KeshaRose @grannywrapper @DollyParton pic.twitter.com/tQ0nfHbdOZ

— daisy (@daisyisOG) August 26, 2026

Parton later collaborated with Kesha on “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)” for Kesha’s 2017 album Rainbow. Kesha recorded the album during a legal battle with former producer Dr. Luke and said Parton’s involvement had a significant personal meaning.

“For those of you who don’t know, I was making that album in the middle of a very scary litigation, and I was in the #MeToo movement, and having such a legendary woman do this song with me and stand beside me, it made me really feel like God was on my side,” Kesha said.

She added that performing the song was a way to honour Parton’s legacy and life.

Kesha has previously described Parton as a “guiding light” and discussed her admiration for the country star in a 2022 interview.