During Holiday-Based 'Kellyoke,' Host Kelly Clarkson Sings Dolly Parton Classic

Dec 07, 2022 by apost team

Dolly Parton is an icon who has been in the spotlight for decades as one of the best female country singers and musicians of all time. Parton has become a legend in the entertainment industry because of her bubbly personality, unique vocal tone and beautiful songwriting skills. 

Parton's musical talents became known early, and she began writing her own songs before long. After graduating high school in 1964, then-18-year-old Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to become a star. Incidentally, she kicked off what would be a legendary career that year and met the love of her life, her future husband, Carl Dean. The couple has been happily married for 56 years, but Dean tends to stay out of the spotlight.

While Parton is most notably known for her contribution to country music, she is also known for her philanthropic works, including a charitable organization she founded herself. 

Perhaps the "Jolene" singer's humble beginnings are the reason for her kindness. Parton grew up as one of 12 children in a poor Tennessee family, and her journey to stardom is one that draws an outpouring of love and admiration.

The singer uses her platform to do good and speak out on topics that are meaningful to her. This included donating $1 million toward COVID-19 research. She also spoke out in support of singer Britney Spears amid her conservatorship battle. 

Parton's career and charity work has inspired many artists to pay tribute to her. Kelly Clarkson, in December 2020, sang "Hard Candy Christmas" on her show as a part of the "Kellyoke" segment in honor of the living legend. 

Kelly Clarkson first became a household name in 2002 following her win on the hit competition series "American Idol." Since then, the singer has gone on to sell millions of copies of her albums and tour across the world. Some of her most notable hits include "Since U Been Gone," "My Life Would Suck Without You," and "Because Of You." With an incredible vocal tone and range, Clarkson has easily become one of the best and most recognizable singers in the world.

Along with being a highly accomplished singer, Clarkson has also appeared in a variety of films and TV shows and has gone on to become one of the most beloved women in the entertainment industry due to her hilarious personality and charming wit. She has gone on to become a judge for another singing competition series called "The Voice," and is even the host of her own talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

When Clarkson first entered the music industry, she had a very girl-next-door look with a bit of an edge. Like most superstars, her look and style changed as the years progressed, and Clarkson discovered more sides of herself. She even switched up the genre of music she released during the span of her career. 

The host has since settled into her life in front of the camera and is not as frequently seen standing before her audience with a band behind her. However, she still takes time out of her show to remind her loyal viewers where she came from. 

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Audiences are used to having a holly, jolly holiday, but what about a Dolly holiday? Taking inspiration from the country legend, Kelly Clarkson themed, in a way, her holiday episode after Parton. She even treated viewers to her own rendition of the singer's tune "Hard Candy Christmas," 1984 holiday album, "Once Upon a Christmas," featuring Kenny Rogers.

The idea for the alternative jingle came oddly enough from Parton's acting career. The singer starred in a movie musical, which featured "Hard Candy Christmas," and later went on to release her own version.

The Dolly Parton-fied song was a huge hit, with Parton even singing it during Bob Hope's Christmas Special in 1988. Despite its unconventional lyrics, it struck a chord with audiences. Perhaps because "the phrase 'hard candy Christmas' refers to a time when families who did not have much money could only afford to give hard candy … to their children at Christmas. The hard candy metaphor suggests that life can simultaneously be hard and sweet."

Clarkson has been through some ups and downs in her personal life, especially regarding her past marriage, and has expressed herself through music.

Clarkson hasn't been the only artist to choose this lesser-known Parton hit to cover during the holidays. The song has also been sung by June Carter Cash, RuPaul, LeAnn Rimes, The Venture Bros., and Cyndi Lauper, as well as countless others over the years. 

Clarkson's version came during the pandemic, so her band members were socially distant, and the rocking around the Christmas tree was admittedly somewhat restricted. However, Clarkson charmed audiences with her warmth and presence during those challenging times. It's a moment Parton would be proud of. 

What's your favorite holiday jingle? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, as well as any fellow Dolly Parton lovers!