Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, and tributes to the music icon and humanitarian have poured in from across the music and entertainment world.
Fellow country singer and collaborator Reba McEntire posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing, “Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. 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 favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. 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.”
Her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin shared a tribute with a photo of Parton, writing, “No words…💔” Parton’s other 9 to 5 co-star Jane Fonda also offered a lengthy dedication, saying that she was “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy.” Jack White also gave a tribute with an older photo of Parton, writing, “Instant Sainthood.”
Taylor Swift wrote that, “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”
Beyoncé, who collaborated with Parton on her album Cowboy Carter, called the late legend “the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious.” She continued, “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. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you.”
In a heartfelt tribute Paul McCartney reflected on their first meeting together at the Grand Ole Opry and having her cover The Beatles’ “Let It Be” for Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar. “She was such a wonderful woman…. Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world. 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.”
Sabrina Carpenter, who collaborated with Parton on a version of “Please Please Please,” said she would “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. 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.”
Carole King offered her own tribute, writing, ” My heart is breaking. In addition to her musical talents, she was an exemplary human being.” Mick Jagger shared similarly heartfelt words, writing, “What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”
Breakout country star Ella Langley also gave a dedication, writing on her Instagram story, ““Dolly, thank you for standing up for yourself as an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, an author, a creative, and most importantly, a woman in this industry… You paved the way for so many to be brave. Thank you for being unafraid to show your most authentic self. The world needed Dolly and will never see another like it. The gates of heaven just welcomed home a beautiful soul.”
Kacey Musgraves, who has covered Parton’s songs on multiple occasions and sang alongside her at the 2019 Grammys, wrote on X, “Dolly. 💔 This really 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.” Jamie Lee Curtis initially wrote, “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it,” later adding: “They say don’t meet your heroes. Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on. She is a great example for us all.”
Former president Bill Clinton gave a dedication to the late icon on X, writing, “Dolly Parton was one of a kind — a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”
Former president Barack Obama similarly paid tribute, writing, “It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.”
Sheryl Crow posted a photo of her and Parton together, writing on Instagram, “There is a hole in the universe. There was and will never be anyone like Dolly. I did not know her well but I loved her like family… we all did. She was an incredible story teller musically and in real life. But she was also a loving and compassionate human being, led by goodness in all she did. I will miss knowing she is on the planet but she will never be far away. RIP Dolly, we love you.”
Elton John wrote on his Instagram Story, ““Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.” Cyndi Lauper said, “It’s hard for me to imagine the world without Dolly. Dolly’s heart was as big as her talent. She was not only a great singer/song writer/actress/TV star, Dolly also lived her art. She used her art, her fame and her money to help so many people. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, “What would Dolly do?” She was a great role model for all of us. I hope she is in a place with Carl, her Mom and Dad and all her loved ones who’ve passed. She will be so missed. Rest in Peace Dolly.”
Eminem posted a photo of a letter Parton sent him upon his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, writing in the caption, “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a an impact on me. 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. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
Blondie posted an image on Instagram of Parton with a heart emoji, while Garbage offered their own tribute: “Devastating news. The Queen of light itself. A one of one. A once in a lifetime. A sparkling rhinestone for all eternity. A true gift to humanity and the very best of us. Rest in peace sweet Dolly. Thank you for sharing your power, wisdom and spectacular song with us all. We will always love you.” New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote, “This is truly heartbreaking. Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her.”
Fellow country singer Maren Morris gave a tribute on Instagram, saying, “there will never be another. @dollyparton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light. 💔” Actor Pedro Pascal wrote, “One of one 💔. We must make more,” while Sarah Jessica Parker posted, “No!!!!!! 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. One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever. And always advocating for those she knew and understood needed a champion. What a loss. But aren’t we so lucky,so fortunate for the endless gifts she shared. With the world. Godspeed and RIP. You will be terribly missed. Xxx, SJ”
The Kills’ Allison Mosshart wrote, “All the love in the world for this woman. Thank you Dolly, for everything. You were a true real life superhero. ♥️♥️♥️,” while Noah Kahan said on X, “Rest peacefully Dolly, thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all ❤️” Billy Strings provided a heartfelt tribute, writing, “Beautiful angel on Earth, beautiful angel in heaven. She graced the world and now she’s gone on to take her spot in the angel band. I only wish I could hear the sound. Thank you Dolly. We will always love you ❤️”
KC of KC and the Sunshine Band wrote in a statement, “I am in shock. I met Dolly back in the late ’70s. We had the same manager, and I was lucky enough to meet her and know her throughout the years, and then we ended up with the same management team again years later. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I had ever met. I have many fond memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart. Such a talent and a tremendous loss to pop and country music and to those who knew and loved her. She will truly be missed. 💔”
Seth MacFarlane, who worked with Parton on his Fox series The Orville, gave a tribute on X, saying, “The news of Dolly Parton’s passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on The Orville, and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was. Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her. The world is a dimmer place today without her.”
Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth wrote, “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. 💔🌈🦋” Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates wrote, “I’ve known Dolly since the ’70s. Her loss is immeasurable. She was such a kind and genuinely nice person. And I still don’t know how she played so well with those long fingernails! What an amazing mystery…”
Katy Perry posted a slideshow of various moments in her career that she got to spent time with Parton, including a photo with her, Parton, Miley Cyrus, Linda Perry, and Kacey Musgraves: “If there’s someone you wanna look up to and model your life after, it’s Dolly. Dolly was glam, funny, and kind as fuck. Her star will forever shine bright and I bet you she’s already remodeling them pearly gates with rhinestones. We will always love you Dolly!” Mariah Carey wrote, “Rest in Peace Dolly, one of the most brilliant, iconic, and prolific artists of all time. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. I will always love you ❤️”
KISS vocalist Gene Simmons shared a tribute, writing, “Very, very sad. She was a sweet and kind soul and I’m proud to say I knew her. And I witnessed she always took time to stop and greet anyone around her. There will never be another Dolly.” Songwriter Diane Warren also posted a dedication: “A light has gone out in the world. A light we need now more than ever. How can this even be???? Not Dolly!!! Not beautiful brilliant Dolly!!!!! I found this picture of Dolly and my Mom Flora when I was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2021 She was excited for me but I think a lot more excited to meet Dolly! Im so honored that I got to work with her, abd will aways cherish that. What a sad sad day not just for tve world of music, but for the world. We will always love You.🎶🎵💔”
Flea wrote, “Dolly forever. What a huge heart. The absolute best, will always heal me, thank you Dolly i will listen to you til i drop, and then some,” while Joan Jett said, “Dolly was a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius. Working with her was one of the highlights of my career. JJ*” Maggie Rogers offered a video of her at the piano covering Parton’s song “Here You Come Again” with the caption, “💔 one of the greatest songwriters of all time beautiful radiant butterfly human I played with her at Newport once and I felt like my chest was on fire I was so wildly awe struck thank you thank you a million times dolly”
Flavor Flav provided a dedication as well, saying on X, “RIP to Dolly Parton,,, one of the greatest musical and American icons. She championed children, education, kindness and the overall goodness of human race. Condolences to her family, friends, team and fans.” Questlove shared a tribute, writing, “Forever Legend Thank You Dolly.” The Muppets also posted a dedication.
See more tributes below (this post will continue to be updated as more come in).
Beyoncé pays tribute to the legendary Miss Dolly Parton. ❤️https://t.co/NysKafJI1N pic.twitter.com/zYv4UeHs6y
— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) August 25, 2026
What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much. pic.twitter.com/DJ394Y2n91
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 25, 2026
The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) August 25, 2026
It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the… https://t.co/gl4KGm4vnk
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 25, 2026
Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in…
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 25, 2026
I'm sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a an impact on me. 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. Rest easy Dolly. And thank… pic.twitter.com/LPHi3cKe5m
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) August 25, 2026
Rest peacefully Dolly, thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all ❤️
— Noah Kahan (@NoahKahan) August 25, 2026
Rest in Peace Dolly, one of the most brilliant, iconic, and prolific artists of all time. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. I will always love you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Fdypqdmpzs
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 26, 2026
