Tributes to Dolly Parton are pouring in from fans across the world — who remember the “Queen of Country” for her kindness, brilliant performances, philanthropic efforts and lasting impact on country music.
Parton died Tuesday in Nashville after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.” She was 80.
The Country Music Hall of Famer and 11-time Grammy winner touched fans with her 3,000-strong discography, which included autobiographical songs like “Coat of Many Colors” and heartbreak hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
In addition to releasing 49 albums, Parton channeled her major success into philanthropy, launching a library program which has provided over 300 million books to children around the world.
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, confirmed the news in an Instagram video message shared Tuesday.
“My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he continued. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father, Larry, held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it till now.”
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family,” reads the family’s official obituary.
The obituary continues, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Parton had faced various health challenges during the past two years. In an update with People last week, she said she was still “dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” referring to care for her late husband Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025.
She added, “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!”
In May, Parton canceled her Las Vegas residency and said she still had a long road ahead before she could return to performing.
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At the time, Parton told fans she was responding well to medication and treatment but said the process had left her feeling “a little swimmy-headed.”
“The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day,” Parton added, noting that she could not perform at her usual level yet because she shouldn’t be “dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on 5-inch heels.”
Here is how friends, politicians and Hollywood stars have paid tribute to Parton.
Buckingham Palace
The Royal Family paid tribute to Parton with a rendition of her hit “9 to 5″ played at Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday morning.
“Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many – including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always (love) you,” the Royal Family shared in a statement.
Gov. Spencer Cox
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox ordered all American and Utah State flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities in honor of Dolly Parton, from now through Sept. 1.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, who was Parton’s honorary goddaughter, wrote, “So many evil people in this world and we had to lose a pure heart like Dolly Parton.”
She added, “Devastating day for humanity.”
In a second statement, Cyrus wrote, “I can’t believe we just lost the purest soul. Rest in Glory, Dolly. My heart aches.”
Kacey Musgraves
“This really hurts,” wrote Kacey Musgraves, an eight-time Grammy winning country musician.
Sen. Bernie Sanders
“Dolly Parton was one of the greatest entertainers of our era,” wrote Sen. Bernie Sanders I-Vermont. “Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be sorely missed.”
Donald Trump
“This is a true loss for millions of people,” wrote President Donald Trump. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
“In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period.”
Megyn Kelly
Political commenter Megyn Kelly wrote, “Dolly Parton seemed as close to total goodness as any mere mortal could come. She united us all in our love and admiration for her and, now, in mourning her.”
Colman Domingo
“Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness,” wrote actor Colman Domingo. “What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton.”
James Dreyfus
“What a lady,” wrote English actor James Dreyfus. “Goodnight Dolly. Thanks for everything.”
Meghan McCain
“Dolly Parton was an absolute American icon and legend,” wrote television personality and columnist Meghan McCain. “Singular in her impact, love, talent, music, kindness, passion and strength. There never was nor ever will be another like her.”
She added, “On a personal note she is hands down the kindest, warmest, friendliest celebrity I had the pleasure of ever meeting. When people ask me the highlight of working at The View, I always say meeting Dolly Parton.”
Spencer Pratt
“God bless Dolly Parton,” wrote reality television star Spencer Pratt. “She is a national treasure.”
Rob Schneider
“A giant talent,” wrote actor and comedian Rob Schneider. “One of the best song writers ever!”
“A gigantic influence and genius of popular music,” he continued. “One of the greatest entertainers of all time.But most importantly, a generous, kind and loving human being. Blessed to be alive at the same time as Dolly Parton.”
Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today,” wrote country musician Blake Shelton, who worked alongside Dolly Parton during her appearances on “The Voice.”
He continued, “I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
Kelly Clarkson
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson wrote, “Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends.”
“I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will,” Clarkson continued. “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.”
Mick Jagger
“What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was,” wrote Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. “She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”
J.K. Rowling
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity,” author of the “Harry Potter” series J.K. Rowling wrote.
“Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck,” she continued. “You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
Seth MacFarlane
Actor Seth MacFarlane, who worked alongside Parton on an episode of “The Orville,” called news of the musician’s death “devastating.”
“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,” MacFarlane wrote.
“The world is a dimmer place today without her.”
Henry Winkler
“What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the (Parton) family,” wrote actor Henry Winkler. “Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”
Paris Hilton
Media personality Paris Hilton said she was “heartbroken.”
“She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me,” Hilton continued. “Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it.”
Jeff Bezos
“Dolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love,” wrote Jeff Bezos. “She lifted everyone with her music, her generosity, and her joy.”
Bill Clinton
Former president Bill Clinton described Parton as “a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.”
“She always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy,” he continued. “Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories.”
Donny Osmond
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She has a heart of gold and a spirit that touched so many lives,” wrote Donny Osmond. “She was a true woman of God, an incredible entertainer, and of course, one of the pillars of country music.”
“She had the most amazing way of making everyone in that studio feel like they were her best friend,” he continued. “I think it was that sweet Southern hospitality in her.”
Brooke Shields
“The world will forever be indebted to the good you’ve done and the legacy you’ve left,” wrote actress Brooke Shields. “The equilibrium of the earth feels off. Thank you for everything.”
Pat Sajak
Former “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak recalled a flight seated next to Parton.
“When I was hired to join KNBC in Los Angeles, I was flown out from my home in Nashville,” Sajak wrote. “The coach section was overbooked, and I was fortunate to be moved to first class, where my seat mate turned out to be Dolly Parton. Sure was a nice flight.”
Russell Crowe
“There’s only ever going to be one Dolly Parton,” wrote actor Russell Crowe. “What a soul she carried.”
Shaboozey
Shaboozey, a Grammy-nominated singer, wrote, “I wish I had the honor of meeting you. You were everyone’s favorite artist.”
“Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know,” he added.
Dr. Mehmet Oz
“I adored my friend Dolly Parton for her massive heart,” Dr. Mehmet Oz wrote in a tribute. “The world knew her extraordinary voice, her wit, her sparkle and her unmistakable presence.”
“But I was blessed to see another side of Dolly—the woman behind the cameras, when there was no audience and nothing to gain except the chance to bring someone else a little hope,” he continued.
“We toured pediatric cancer facilities together, and I will never forget watching the children light up when Dolly walked into the room.
“She patiently sat with children struggling with cancer. She listened to them, laughed with them, held their hands and somehow gave them a little more energy and courage to fight the battles ahead. That was Dolly. Her greatest gift wasn’t the music. It was her heart.”
Usha Vance
“As four-time subscribers to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and lifelong fans of her music, our family knows that Dolly Parton loved a good story,” Second Lady Usha Vance wrote.
“I hope that you’ll pick up a book and celebrate the magic of storytelling in her honor today.”
Mike Lee
“Heaven received an angelic musical phenomenon today with the passing of Dolly Parton,” wrote Utah Sen. Mike Lee. “Earth’s loss is heaven’s gain.”
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
“Dolly Parton was a good woman and one of the greatest artists of true country soul,” wrote musician Yusuf/Cat Stevens.
Billy Ray Cyrus
“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,” country musician Billy Ray Cyrus wrote in a statement shared with the Deseret News.
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.”
Chris Isaak
“I’m saddened to hear Dolly’s gone. Every time I saw her she seemed so positive and full of energy,” wrote musician Chris Isaak. “In person she was gracious and gorgeous.”
“I remember doing a Kenny Rogers special with Dolly. There was a moment when she and I were backstage. I asked her if she could tell me if a story I heard was true and she said OK. I said I’d heard that she once bought Porter Wagoner‘s song catalog when he was on hard times and a few years later, Porter asked if he could buy his songs back. She said no, she wouldn’t sell him back his songs but would give him back his songs,” he continued.
“I asked if that was true. She said yes and nothing more. I think she didn’t like to speak of her good deeds, but being a songwriter, knowing how much songs mean to a writer, it made me have great respect for her. God bless her.”
Pitbull
Pitbull wrote, “Tonight we celebrate Dolly Parton…the living legend, or should I say the legend that lives forever.”
Jimmy Fallon
“I was lucky enough to know and work with the one and only Dolly Parton. She was a phenomenal guest on the show; always funny and always made everyone she met feel like a million dollars,” comedian and late night host Jimmy Fallon wrote in a lengthy tribute.
“She’s a butterfly. Beautiful. Magical. Dreamy. And like most butterflies, they stay for a moment – captivate you, fascinate you, mesmerize you and then fly away far too soon,” he added.
Shania Twain
“Dolly was pure light sent from heaven,” wrote Shania Twain. “My mentor is gone. My songwriting teacher and hero of grace and humility.”
“There is a hole in my heart but the joy of just the thought of her smile will continue to fill me with inspiration for as long as I live. I will cherish this moment performing Coat Of Many Colors with Dolly forever,” she added alongside a clip performing with Parton.
Kristen Chenoweth
“Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken,” singer Kristen Chenoweth wrote. “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.”
Luke Bryan
“Her light, being a strong Tennessee woman, songwriting, charisma, wittiness, and the ability to make fun of herself and the ability to inspire the world is what I think about when I think of Dolly,” wrote country singer-songwriter Luke Bryan.
“When you live your life and people can recognize you by one name, Dolly, I think that says it all. Rest in peace Dolly.”
Reba McEntire
Country Music Hall of Famer Reba McEntire 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,” 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.”
Brandie Carlile
“Dolly, you’ve spent a lifetime turning kindness into an art form and songs into places where people feel seen,” wrote 11-time Grammy winner Brandie Carlile.
“Your voice, your generosity, your courage, and your joy have lifted generations,” she continued. “You remind us that you can be wildly talented and still lead with a tender heart. Thank you for showing us what it looks like to stay true to yourself and leave the world a little brighter than you found it.”
Paula Abdul
“So heartbroken to hear of Dolly’s passing. I loved her dearly and feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her,” wrote singer-dancer Paula Abdul. “Her kindness and light were truly one of a kind.”
Jason Aldean
Country musician Jason Aldean wrote, “The term “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days but she really was. An icon to the entire entertainment industry, especially the Country Music family.”
“I had the privilege being around her a few times over the years and she was truly a bright light that shined just a little brighter than anyone else in the room,” Aldean added. “It’s always sad when one of our heroes passes away, but the beauty in music is that her art will live on forever.”
Gwen Stefani
“So heartbroken to hear about the loss of a true original and forever one of a kind,” wrote singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani. “Such an inspiration to us all. I was so lucky to work with you.”
Mariah Carey
Singer-songwriter Mariah Carey described Parton as ” one of the most brilliant, iconic, and prolific artists of all time.”
“Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten,” she added.
Joe Biden
“Simply put, Dolly Parton was an American original,” former President Joe Biden wrote. “She was an inspiration to millions. She was a relentless advocate for women and for equality. Through her Imagination Library, she placed the gift of reading into the hands of millions of children because she understood literacy is the foundation of opportunity.”
“But perhaps most importantly, Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect,” he continued. “She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and she will be missed by millions around the world.”
Noah Kahan
“Thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all,” wrote musician Noah Kahan.
Jennifer Hudson
“Dolly Parton taught us that a woman can be powerful, beautiful and talented, and still be kind,” actress Jennifer Hudson shared in a tribute. “And that success never has to come at the expense of grace, generosity, or heart !! What a wonderful example she set for us all.”
Celine Dion
The “Queen of Power Ballads”, Celine Dion, described Parton as “pure light, with a kind heart and a generous spirit.”
“We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known. Thank you for the music, the laughter, and the love you gave us all,” she added.
William Shatner
“I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Dolly over the years, and she was every bit as memorable, talented and funny as you would imagine,” “Star Trek” actor William Shatner wrote.
“But beyond the extraordinary talent was something even more important: her heart,” he continued. “She brought joy to generations of people and left the world considerably better than she found it.”
Barack Obama
“It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton,” former President Barak Obama wrote in a lengthy tribute. “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.”
Ben Stiller
“What an icon, and for so long. A person who emanated goodness, and of course, a brilliant songwriter and performer. Sending love to her family and friends,” wrote actor Ben Stiller.
Taylor Swift
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” Taylor Swift said of her friend Parton, per Deadline.
“She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously. She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist,” Swift continued.
“Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.”
NASA
“NASA honors the memory of Dolly Parton,” wrote the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
“In 1989, Dolly performed at NASA‘s Rocket Park, alongside fellow musicians Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers, to an audience of over 12,000 NASA employees and their families.”
David Archuleta
“Dolly, you changed this world for the better,” wrote singer-songwriter David Archuleta.
“Thank you for all the good you’ve done to brighten this world. The highlight of my time on American Idol was getting to share a brief moment with you and sing your song Smoky Mountain Memories that you wrote about your dad, and hear why that song was important to you,” he continued.
“Thanks for helping me feel seen as a shy teenager from Utah, as you’ve made millions feel seen.”
Joni Mitchell
“Remembering Dolly Parton, whose unmistakable voice was matched by her warmth, wit, and generosity,” wrote singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
Andrew Lloyd Webber
“I’ll never forget the incredibly special time we spent in your trailer talking about songwriting,” wrote composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. “You were one of the greatest talents I’ve had the privilege of meeting.”
Mike Johnson
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson wrote, “Dolly Parton’s unmistakable voice, joyful spirit, and remarkable generosity touched generations of Americans and many others around the world.”
His tribute continued, “From the mountains of Tennessee to stages across the globe, she never forgot where she came from, and she used her extraordinary success to lift up countless others.”
Ringo Starr
“God bless Dolly Parton and peace and love to all the family, peace,” wrote the Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
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