Following the news of Dolly Parton‘s death, celebrities everywhere are paying tribute to the global icon.
Parton, known for hit songs like “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” and her roles in films such as Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday, a rep announced. She was 80. One of her nephews, Bryan Seaver, recorded a video at her request to announce the tragic news.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said. “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 until now.”
Parton’s death comes after it was revealed in September that she would postpone a set of Las Vegas concerts due to “some health challenges.” The Hollywood Reporter later reported that Parton would miss the Governors Awards, where she was to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in November. Parton also canceled scheduled Las Vegas residency dates for September in May.
And in recent months, Parton publicly addressed her health issues to her fans, telling them she was OK.
Following Parton’s death, numerous celebrities took to social media to share tributes honoring Parton, many of whom include musicians and actors who had worked with Parton before.
“Heartbroken today. Dolly Parton,” fellow country music star Keith Urban wrote on his Instagram Story. “Honestly, I have no words right now.”
Reba McEntire shared a photo alongside Parton on Instagram, writing in part, “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.”
McEntire was recently featured in a revamped version of Parton’s 1977 song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” alongside Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and Queen Latifah. Wilson and Queen Latifah both took to their Instagram Stories to pay tribute, sharing photos of the two-time Oscar nominee.
Kacey Musgraves took to X, writing, “Dolly. This really really hurts.” She shared a follow-up post, which referenced the singer’s husband of nearly 58 years, Carl Dean, who died on March 3, 2025: “So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
President Donald Trump posted a tribute on Truth Social: “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. 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 beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Country singer and The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson posted a statement on Instagram. “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.”
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Grammys and MusiCares, commended Parton in a statement shared with THR. “It’s nearly impossible to fully capture the depth of what Dolly Parton means to the world. She was a 10-time Grammy winner, a recipient of the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree, but reducing her legacy to accolades doesn’t do justice to what she truly represented: love, kindness and generosity on a scale that transcended music,” he wrote.
“Her songs became part of the fabric of America, but her impact went well beyond the stage. Through her unwavering dedication to philanthropy, she gave back to her community and to the world with the same heart that defined her music,” the statement continued. “On behalf of the Recording Academy, our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, friends and the countless fans whose lives she touched. Her legacy — one of talent, kindness and resilience — will endure for generations to come.”
Khloé Kardashian, who previously had Parton as a guest on her podcast, Khloé in Wonder Land, shared a tribute on her Instagram Story.
“Some people are extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people. A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever,” she wrote. “To have admired her was a gift. To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name… I will never have words big enough for what that means to me. What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly.”
Bill Anderson, who earned a Grammy nomination with Parton for their song “Someday It’ll All Make Sense (Bluegrass Version)” said in a statement to THR, “The last thing Dolly said to me was, ‘Bill Anderson – I Will Always Love You.’ She was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the Grand Ole Opry House on the Occasion of my 65th Opry anniversary a few weeks ago. She was Smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, ‘Someday It’ll All Make Sense.’”
SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin said in a statement: “The passing of Dolly Parton will be deeply felt throughout our membership. Her life and legacy of joy and creativity had an indescribable impact on the world. As a singer, songwriter, performer, business leader and all-around visionary, Dolly Parton’s talent is revered across generations. Her basic humanity is known to the world and she is simply beloved by countless millions. Personally, from 9 to 5 when she effortlessly advanced the cause of professional women, to her Islands in the Stream collaboration with Kenny Rogers, I’m a true and forever fan. On behalf of SAG-AFTRA and my family, we send thoughts of love and condolence to her family.”
In a statement shared with THR, GLAAD said, “Dolly Parton was not only the ‘Queen of Country Music’, but indeed the queen of inclusivity and philanthropy. Her support for LGBTQ people spans decades, from the 1990s with her track ‘Family,’ where she expressed that all should be welcome regardless of religion or sexual orientation; to the powerful ballad “Travelin’ Thru,” which Parton penned for the film TransAmerica and earned her an Oscar nomination; to her early support of marriage equality in 2009, well before its legalization. Parton’s warm spirit, kindheartedness and joie de vivre deeply resonated with the LGBTQ community, cementing her as a global queer icon whose art always held space for outsiders, no matter the risk. Parton’s entire career was built on love and respect for all, and her unwavering allyship is a legacy that will last forever.”
See more tributes below.
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