Paul McCartney has offered a tribute to the late Dolly Parton, describing her as a “wonderful woman” and saying “it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”
Posting a photo of his initial meeting with her from 1974 on Instagram, McCartney reflected on his first experience with Parton: “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,” he wrote. “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.”
McCartney continued, expressing gratitude that he got to know Parton over the years and that she notably covered The Beatles’ “Let It Be” for her 2023 album Rockstar. “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.” Read McCartney’s tribute to Parton below.
Parton had previously expressed admiration for McCartney and The Beatles, discussing her “Let It Be” rendition with Hayley Williams for Consequence‘s 2023 cover story on Parton: “I was thrilled to death to get to sing with Paul and with Ringo,” she said.
Parton’s passing at the age of 80 was confirmed earlier today by her nephew Bryan Seaver. In the hours since then, tributes have poured in from all across the entertainment industry honoring the late music icon.
