Tributes have poured in from some of the biggest names in music, film and entertainment following the death of Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
The country music icon died in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, following a brief battle with cancer.
Her seven-decade career made her one of the most recognisable entertainers in the world, with her influence stretching far beyond country music.
From Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Sabrina Carpenter, stars from across the entertainment industry have been paying tribute to the singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: DFree Shutterstock
Sir Elton John described Dolly as “a giant of an artist - unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart”, saying he was “shocked and devastated” by the news.
Taylor Swift, who began her own career in country music as a teenager after moving to Nashville, paid tribute to Dolly's “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person.”
A world without Dolly doesn't feel possible, real, or right, Swift said in a statement shared with the BBC.
She praised the singer for the “eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth” and the countless lives she changed.
Swift also highlighted Dolly's work away from music, including the millions of books distributed to children through her Imagination Library.
She thanked Parton “for the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.”
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: Carl Beust, Shutterstock
Beyoncé also remembered Dolly as a huge influence, describing her as the “barometer” and the “north star.”
“Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship,” she wrote.
The pair were connected through Beyoncé's country era, with her 2024 album Cowboy Carter featuring a rendition of Dolly's iconic song Jolene.
Julia Roberts, who starred alongside Dolly in the 1990 film Steel Magnolias, shared a deeply personal tribute.
“Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today,” she said.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: Bart Sherkow, Shutterstock
Jane Fonda, who starred with Dolly and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5, also reflected on her longtime friendship with the singer.
“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,” Fonda said.
She described Dolly as “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy.”
Jamie Lee Curtis also shared a brief message for the star, writing: “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it.”
Oprah Winfrey remembered one of her favourite moments with Dolly, recalling “having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns” on her show Dolly.
“This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn't,” Winfrey wrote.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: DFree Shutterstock
Sabrina Carpenter also reflected on the personal impact Dolly had on her.
“I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days,” she 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.”
Sarah Jessica Parker, who never met Dolly but said she had always loved her, wrote: “I never met @dollyparton but my gosh, did I love her. I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her.”
She called Dolly “one of the greatest this country ever produced” and added: “Legend. For real. Forever.”
Kelly Clarkson also remembered Dolly's ability to make people feel welcome.
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” she wrote.
“I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: Bart Sherkow, Shutterstock
Dionne Warwick, who collaborated with Dolly on the 2023 song Peace Like A River, said she would miss her friend's “laughter, jokes and her being.”
“Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy,” she added.
Kacey Musgraves summed up the feeling of many fans with a simple message: “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
Reba McEntire, one of Dolly's fellow country stars, thanked her for everything she had given during her life.
“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,” she wrote.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: Adam Shanker, Shutterstock
Billy Ray Cyrus recalled knowing and loving Dolly from childhood, as well as a memorable encounter with her in 1992.
“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 TV’s, right in our living rooms,” he wrote.
He then recalled walking into her dressing room to apologise for tabloid stories claiming they were having an affair.
In true Dolly fashion, she winked and told him: “Honey, this trash sells records!”
Cyrus said Dolly had recently sent him a message telling him she loved him “with her whole heart.”
“I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will,” he wrote.
Even Eminem shared an emotional tribute, remembering a letter Dolly sent him after his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Dolly had written to the rapper: “Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know you are the very best of it.”
She also told him: “I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.”
Eminem said the message had a huge impact on him.
“She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense,” he wrote.
“Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
Dolly's extraordinary influence was also reflected in the tributes from those who knew her away from the stage.
Octavia Spencer called her “a gift to the world”, praising her “voice, your philanthropic heart, and warmth”.
“You made us feel seen and that the world was a pretty decent place. We miss you,” she wrote.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit Jack Fordyce, Shutterstock
Dolly's career stretched from her early days performing in Tennessee to global fame through music, film and television.
She became a household name in the 1970s with songs including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, before achieving another huge wave of popularity in the 1980s.
Her starring role in 9 to 5 made her a major Hollywood name, while the film's title song became one of her signature hits.
She later appeared in films including Steel Magnolias, further cementing her place in popular culture.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: Kathy Hutchins, Shutterstock
Away from entertainment, her philanthropy became a huge part of her legacy.
She founded the Imagination Library in 1995, providing free books to young children, while she also donated $1 million towards research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her family said after her death that her legacy was one of “love, compassion, and resilience”, adding that she had inspired generations through her music and her commitment to making the world a better place.
For generations of fans and entertainers, Dolly Parton was much more than a country singer.
As the tributes pouring in from across the worlds of music, film and television show, she became one of those rare figures whose influence crossed generations, genres and borders.
