Jade Thirlwall fought back tears as she paid a touching tribute to late music legend Dolly Parton during an emotional moment at Reading Festival. The former Little Mix star, 33, became visibly emotional as she brought her huge set to a close in front of a packed crowd in the rain on Saturday.
In a sweet nod to the country icon, who died aged 80 earlier this week, Jade briefly broke into Dolly's legendary ballad I Will Always Love You. The tiny tribute sent the crowd wild, with fans erupting as Jade sang the instantly recognisable line before thanking her fans for their support.
A Legacy of Hits
Dolly sadly passed away on August 25th, leaving behind a decades-spanning legacy and a catalogue of huge hits including I Will Always Love You, which she originally wrote and recorded before Whitney Houston's famous version.
Jade had already taken fans on a nostalgic trip through her Little Mix past during the energetic set, performing spicy single Wasabi before launching into a medley of Touch, Shout Out to My Ex, Salute and Woman Like Me.
Personal Moments on Stage
The Shout Out to My Ex performance came just weeks after Jade's split from her long-term boyfriend Jordan Stephens. The singer and Rizzle Kicks star had been together for six years after getting together during lockdown in 2020, and sources say the split earlier in the year but remain close friends.
Jordan later addressed the breakup on his Miss Me? podcast, admitting he was uncomfortable with their private life becoming public. He said he was "very conflicted" about discussing it and revealed he had "still not processed" the tough breakup.
But Jade appeared determined to put on a show as she powered through her Reading set. She also performed fan favourite Church and introduced it with a heartfelt message to her LGBTQ+ fans, she said: "I wrote this song especially for my LGBTQ+ fans because I would not be the pop girly I am today, I wouldn't be on the stage if it wasn't for those fans.
"All the sinners, girls, dolls, party boys, it's a messed up world right now, we've got to stick together and show them how to support everybody."
Jade later told the crowd: "You have been so incredible today. I hope you have enjoyed this set." "I hope you know that each and every one of you is so very special, no matter who you are, who you love, whoever you want to be."
She then closed out the performance with her huge solo hit Angel of My Dreams.
