Brad Paisley had sung “When I Get Where I’m Going” for more than 20 years.

But he had never sung it quite like this.

During his Aug. 27 concert in Bridgeport, Connecticut — just two days after Dolly Parton’s death — Paisley remained onstage with his acoustic guitar and began performing the song he famously recorded with Dolly in 2005.

This time, Dolly’s voice wasn’t there beside him.

As Paisley sang, photographs of Dolly began appearing on the screen behind him, including memories of the two country stars together.

Then came the moment that hit especially hard.

Paisley remembered sending the song to Dolly all those years ago. He told her it was inspired by people he had lost and wondered whether she could relate to it.

Dolly immediately wanted to sing on it.

More than two decades later, Paisley suddenly found himself singing those words for her.

His voice thickened with emotion as he told the audience:

“I never thought it would be about her, but it is.”

The crowd erupted in support as Paisley struggled to maintain his composure.

The song was already special. Released in 2005, it became a No. 1 country hit and ultimately Dolly’s final No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

But after losing his longtime friend and duet partner, its message suddenly meant something entirely different to Paisley.

He ended his tribute with a simple message:

“We will always love you, Dolly.”

A song they once sang together about saying goodbye had become Brad Paisley’s goodbye to her.

And this time, he had to sing Dolly’s part without Dolly.