Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to the height of stardom, has died in Nashville. She was 80.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, said in a statement Tuesday.
Known for her curvy physique, massive blonde wigs and skin-tight outfits that served her self-deprecating wit, she was among the most beloved personalities in music and beyond – the rare celebrity whose appeal transcended generations, geography and politics.
Jane Fonda was among the first to pay tribute, saying she was devastated by the loss of her 9 to 5 co-star.
“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,” Fonda wrote on Instagram.
“She was many things … lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.”
Paul McCartney described Parton as a “magnificent star” and “wonderful woman”.
“She was so bubbly and full of life … it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly,” he wrote.
“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.”
The Grand Ole Opry also paid tribute saying: There will never, ever be another one like her. We will always love you, Dolly.”
The Empire State Building tower lights will honour the singer by turning its lights to a “pink sparkle”.
President Donald Trump said he would honour the singer by lowering the US flag throughout the nation for a week.
Singer Carole King said her “heart was breaking”.
“In addition to her musical talents, she was an exemplary human being,” she wrote.
Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus said Parton recently messaged him to say that she “loved me with her whole heart” adding he will “always” love her in the same way.
Parton was also the godmother to his daughter, singer Miley Cyrus and appeared alongside the father-daughter duo on their Disney show Hannah Montana.
“I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologise for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!'”
Country singer Reba McEntire made a personal tribute to her “buddy Dolly”.
“Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I will always love you, Reba.”
Dionne Warwick – who collaborated with Parton on the 2023 song Peace Like A River – said “I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy”.
Country music star Kacey Musgraves shared: “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.”
Australian country singer Keith Urban said he was “heartbroken today. Honestly… I have no words right now”.
Kristen Chenoweth, who recorded a version of I Will Always Love You with Parton in 2019, said: “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.”
The Muppets’ official Instagram page also paid tribute.
“There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton. She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist. She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders called her “one of the great entertainers of our era” but also “a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief”.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger also posted a heartfelt tribute.
“What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”
Oprah Winfrey said: “This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others”.
“No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here.
“God bless you, Dolly – you earned your wings.”
Bette Middler said she was “devastated”, describing Parton’s voice as “pure gold” with a “heart to match”.
“What a terrible, terrible loss”.
The Academy also paid tribute to the country star who was also a two-time Oscar nominee and was honoured with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award last year for her “extraordinary compassion and generosity”.
“Few stars could light up a screen, tell a story through a song, or find their way into our hearts quite like Dolly Parton,” it said.
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