Dolly Parton, the country music star who for decades was known for her vocal talent, songwriting skills and ability to unite people, died on Tuesday in Nashville. She was 80.
Many of the artists Parton influenced and worked with over her long career remembered her in social media posts for her kindness, generosity and creative genius. Parton’s universal appeal even reached the White House, where President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff.
“This is a true loss for millions of people,” the president wrote online. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Lily Tomlin
Tomlin, who starred with Parton and Jane Fonda in the 1980 hit comedy “9 to 5,” called the country star a friend and “the Great Harmonizer of Humanity.”
Reba McEntire
In 2021, McEntire released a reimagined version of her hit song “Does He Love You” with Parton. On Tuesday, McEntire thanked Parton. “Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart,” she wrote online. “There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
Taylor Swift
Swift, who has long praised Parton’s influence in interviews, said in a statement that “a world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real or right.” Swift added that “along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it,” including “the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts” and “the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus, too.”
Beyoncé
Beyoncé, who reworked Parton’s classic song “Jolene” for her 2024 album “Cowboy Carter,” posted a tribute on her website. “You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” she wrote. “I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship.”
Miley Cyrus
The singer said in a statement on Wednesday that her most sacred moments with Parton, her godmother, were private. “They’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts,” Cyrus wrote.
She said that Parton would want her to write a song about her emotions. “I have an angel by my side,” Cyrus added. “I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”
Paul McCartney
McCartney, who appeared on Parton’s 2023 cover of the Beatles’ “Let It Be,” wrote on Instagram that it was it was “difficult to take in the news” of the singer’s death. “Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music,” McCartney said, adding, “It is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”
Eminem
The rapper shared online a note he had received from Parton congratulating him on entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside her. “Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon,” Eminem wrote.
Elton John
John wrote an Instagram Story that said he was shocked and devastated to hear that Parton had died. “A giant of an artist — unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Britain’s Royal Family
Celine Dion
Dion said in a statement that Parton was “pure light, with a kind heart and a generous spirit,” adding, “We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known.”
Sally Field
Field, who starred with Parton in the 1989 drama “Steel Magnolias,” wrote online that she adored her and would cherish their time together. “If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one,” Field said. “Dolly Parton. There will never be another.”
Hillary Clinton
Clinton, the former secretary of state, reflected on Parton’s life, writing online that the singer “did all the good she could, for all the people she could, for as long as ever she could.”
“From her legendary songwriting to the Imagination Library — which sent 1 million books a month to children across the country — she was the best of America,” Clinton added.
Senator Marsha Blackburn
Melissa Etheridge
Etheridge, the singer and songwriter, said words failed to describe the spirit that was Parton. “I will strive the rest of my days to be as joyful and loving as she was,” Etheridge wrote online. “Her talent and gifts she gave us will live on for generations. We are a better world because she walked among us.”
Khloé Kardashian
As a longtime fan of Parton’s, Kardashian wrote in an Instagram Story that “some people are so extraordinary their existence feels almost impossible.”
“Dolly was one of those people,” she added, calling her a once-in-a-lifetime soul and a woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed the world forever. “To have admired her was a gift,” Kardashian added. “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.” Last summer, Parton opened up about her life on Kardashian’s podcast, “Khloé in Wonder Land.”
Mark Walker and Alex Marshall contributed reporting.
