Dolly Parton’s celebrity friends, fellow musicians and famous fans have paid emotional tributes to the country music legend following the news of her death aged 80
Dolly Parton has been remembered as a “true country music icon” and “unique and irreplaceable” following her death aged 80. The iconic singer’s death was announced by her nephew Brian Seaver, who said sharing the news was “an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness”.
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, country music’s most well-known venue and where Dolly first appeared at age 13, paid tribute to the late singer on Instagram. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.
“There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity and compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her. We will always love you, Dolly.”
Sharing a photo of them together, actress Lily Tomlin said she had “no words”, also sharing a broken heart emoji. The pair were lifelong friends, also starring in the 1980 film 9 To 5 alongside Jane Fonda.
Jane Fonda has said she is “devastated”, adding: “Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.”
Sir Elton John said: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Singer Carole King said her “heart was breaking”. She wrote: “In addition to her musical talents, she was an exemplary human being.” Actress Jamie Lee Curtis added: “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it.”
Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis called Parton an “untouchable legend”. She wrote on Instagram: “I will never forget her coming here in 2014 and bringing her incredible songs, overflowing joy and wonderful spirit to Worthy Farm. We had always dreamt of booking her for Glastonbury and I started to think that maybe it would never happen, but the stars aligned and she finally said yes.
“From the moment she arrived, she was an absolute delight, just so lovely. There was a vast crowd in the field for her slot, the sun shone, and when she walked out onto the Pyramid stage she reigned supreme. It was just magic. Thank you for it all, Dolly.”
Sir Paul McCartney posted a photo of him with Dolly on Instagram, and said: “The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad.
“She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life, it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.
“Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”
Sir Paul and fellow Beatle Sir Ringo Starr featured on Dolly’s version of Let It Be on her final album Rockstar in 2023, and he added: “There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song, Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.
“Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”
Priscilla Presley recalled the deeply personal connection Dolly’s I Will Always Love You had to her marriage to Elvis Presley, who died aged 42.
Priscilla said: “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton. Dolly brought so much joy, kindness and beautiful music into this world. I will always remember our conversations, and especially the connection we shared through a song that holds such a personal place in my heart – I Will Always Love You.
“After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang that song to me as we walked down the steps together. Years later, I shared that memory with Dolly.”
Country singer Reba McEntire made a personal tribute to her “buddy Dolly”. On Instagram, she wrote: “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you.
“We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favourite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.”
McEntire added: “I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”
Singer Dionne Warwick – who collaborated with Dolly on the 2023 song Peace Like A River – said her heart was “heavy” and she would miss the star’s jokes. She said: “I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”
Country music star Kacey Musgraves shared: “Dolly. This really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.” Fellow country singer Keith Urban shared: “Heartbroken today. Honestly… I have no words right now.”
Singer and actress Kristen Chenoweth, who recorded a version of I Will Always Love You with Dolly in 2019, said: “Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken. I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you.”
In 1986, Miss Piggy and Kermit appeared on her TV variety show, Dolly, with The Muppets ‘ official Instagram page also paying tribute. It shared: “There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton. She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist. She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off.”
Khloé Kardashian, who celebrated her 40th birthday with a Dollywood-themed party and later interviewed Dolly for her Khloé in Wonder Land podcast, also posted a lengthy tribute.
Khloé said: “Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people. A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever.” She added: “What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly.”
Kelly Osbourne wrote: “There will never be another Dolly Parton. Dolly, thank you for paving the way. Not only for women in music, but for women everywhere to be unapologetically themselves.”
