Country legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. Now, her family, friends, colleagues and music lovers are mourning her death, including Billy Ray Cyrus, Jane Fonda and Kenny Rogers.
Flags are flying at half-staff across the US after the death of one of the country’s most beloved singers. Dolly Parton, whose hits include Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You,” died Tuesday, her family announced.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, broke the news that Dolly had died at the age of 80. A statement from her team later confirmed she died Tuesday in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Dolly Parton dead at 80 – stars pay tribute to music legend
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the statement read.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Dolly Parton touched people worldwide. Following the news of her passing, countless celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved artist and share their memories.
Reba McEntire
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” singer and actress Reba McEntire wrote on Instagram. “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,” she continued. “Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.”
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda, who acted together with Dolly in the film 9 to 5, also paid tribute to the late music legend.
On Instagram, she wrote, “I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, 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. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, “9to5,” the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings.
Fonda added, “Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now. I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves.”
Fonda added, “She was many things…lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs…. RIP, beautiful woman. We love you.”
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts, Dolly’s co-star in Steel Magnolias, told Page Six, “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
Paul McCartney
The Beatles legend Paul McCartney also paid tribute to Dolly Parton. On Instagram, he shared a picture of the two from when they met at the Grand Ole Opry in 1974, writing that she was 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,” McCartney wrote.
Kenny Rogers family
Another artist who was close to Dolly was country star Kenny Rogers. The duo had a huge hit with the song Islands in the Stream. Following Dolly’s passing, Rogers’ family has published a tribute to her on social media.
In a heartfelt statement shared on behalf of The Rogers Family & Team KR, loved ones expressed the depth of their loss while celebrating Parton’s towering impact.
“Our Dearest Dolly: It’s painstakingly hard to put into words what you meant to Kenny… and to all of us,” the statement began. “When the two of you sang about being islands in the stream who together had found peace unknown, having real love for each other as true friends who would always stand by each other, and how you just can’t make old friends, it was always as genuine as it could possibly be… coming straight from the heart and reflecting what you both felt for each other.”
The Rogers family praised Parton for her warmth, humor, and incredible generosity, saying she touched the lives of countless people around her.
“Saying a simple, yet sincere thank you could never be enough for bringing so much joy, laughter, and amazing songs and stories into our lives,” the tribute continued.
“Your irreplaceable spirit of compassion, positivity, friendliness, and immense generosity will live on with your remarkable legacy. We must accept that you’ve simply traded your butterfly wings in for angel wings.”
The Rogers family signed off with a beautiful nod to Parton’s signature anthem: “Dolly, we will think of you every step of the way… and we will ALWAYS love you!”
Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus also broke his silence following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, sharing a moving tribute to the star. His daughter, music star Miley Cyrus, was also Dolly’s goddaughter.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly; it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms,” he wrote, alongside photos of the pair.
“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked, and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’” he continued.
“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way…with my whole heart…and I always will,” Billy Ray Cyrus concluded.
Sabrina Carpenter
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter has also bid farewell to Dolly. Two years ago, she performed alongside the country icon on Carpenter’s mega-hit Please Please Please.
“Oh Dolly. The only thing I could say after we first met was, ‘She really is an angel walking the earth’ and ‘we look like we could be sisters!” Carpenter wrote. “There will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart. Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again. I will always love you.”
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. Please share your best memories of her in the comment section.