Dolly Parton, whose legendary career in country music propelled her to become a star of TV and movies, died on August 25 — and tributes are pouring in from those who knew her, worked with her, and loved her.
Parton’s family announced the news of her death in an emotional statement on Tuesday, calling the country icon “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,” the statement continued. “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.”
After news of Parton’s death spread, country singer and “Happy’s Place” star Reba McEntire paid tribute to the late icon on Instagram, writing, “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.”
McEntire vowed to “remember and cherish every memory and every note” Parton played and sang throughout her decades-long career. “Thank you, Lord, for Dolly,” she continued. “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.”
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin remember Dolly Parton
Jane Fonda, who starred as Judy Bernly alongside Parton’s Doralee Rhodes in the 1980 comedy “9 to 5,” took to Instagram to remember her former co-star, whom she called “so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.”
Fonda highlighted Dolly Parton’s work, from writing hit songs to gifting free books to children, calling all her contributions to culture and society “blessings.”
“Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now,” Fonda wrote. “I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves.”
The “Grace and Frankie” star went on to call Parton “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy” and remembered her as a “lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, [and] loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.”
“To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you,” Fonda added. “You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit. But first, watch the final episode of ‘Grace and Frankie’ where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven.”
Fellow “9 to 5” co-star Lily Tomlin also mourned Parton’s death on Instagram, writing, “No words…”
More Hollywood stars pay tribute to Dolly Parton
Carol Burnett shared an Instagram photo from ‘Dolly & Carol in Nashville,’ a 1979 CBS special shot at the Grand Ole Oprey. She called taping the special with Parton “one of my favorite memories.”
“We shot the week of Thanksgiving and Dolly made individual turkey dinners for every one of us, that she cooked herself,” Burnett wrote. “We were a family. That’s who she was.”
Parton’s “Steel Magnolias” co-star Sally Field shared a photo with the late country star on Instagram, writing, “If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together.”
Seth MacFarlane also paid tribute to Parton on Instagram, remembering the “extraordinary experience” of working with her on “The Orville.”
“It was a joy to discover that [Parton] really was exactly the person we all hoped she was,” MacFarlene wrote. “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.”
Country singer Kacey Musgraves reacted to the news of Parton’s passing in a series of posts on X, writing, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
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