Celebrity tributes pour in for Dolly Parton: ‘a gift to the world’

Lily Tomlin, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Céline Dion and Oprah Winfrey are among those remembering the queen of country after she died aged 80

Alexis Petridis on Dolly Parton’s peerless career that turned country music cliches inside out

Country music legend Dolly Parton dies aged 80 – latest updates

Tributes have poured in for Dolly Parton , the country singer, songwriter and actor, after her death aged 80.

News of her death was shared by her nephew on social media . “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” he said.

Earlier this year, Parton had canceled a Las Vegas residency over health issues.

“Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” the official family statement said. “Dolly was a farmer, just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil; she farmed songs and happiness.”

Parton was known for hit songs such as Jolene and I Will Always Love You, starring in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and her philanthropy work.

Famous names who knew her or were fans of her work have been paying tribute.

Céline Dion posted a reminiscence on Instagram:

“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. We will always love you.”

Winfrey shared a photo of one of her “fondest memories” with Parton, “having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly”. She continued:

“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 in ways we saw and ways we didn’t.

“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.”

In a statement released to press, Swift said:

“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.

“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.

“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. Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”

The singer, who collaborated with Parton on a new version of Jolene on her last album, paid tribute in a statement published to her website:

“Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship.

“I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”

“The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden,” wrote the country star.

In a lengthy and emotional Instagram post, Parton’s 9 to 5 co-star wrote: “I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.” She also added that she was “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy”.

Parton’s 9 to 5 co-star shared a picture of the pair, adding: “No words…💔”

Alongside a photo on Instagram, the Oscar-winning actor wrote : “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it.”

The singer remembered Parton as an “angel walking on the earth”.

“I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days,” she wrote. “There will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart.”

The singer wrote that he was “shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”

McCartney, who collaborated with Parton and Ringo Starr on a cover of Let It Be on her 2023 album Rockstar, shared this tribute on Instagram:

“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.”

“Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.

“There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.

“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.”

In a post on X, the Vermont senator 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”.

In an Instagram story, the country star wrote: “Heartbroken today. Honestly … I have no words right now.”

The singer and close friend of Parton said she was “deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend who was loved by all”.

“Dolly’s artistry, brilliance, and extraordinary life inspired so many people, including me,” LaBelle told CNN. “Her light will forever shine! I send my deepest condolences to all of her loved ones and fans all over the world!”

Parton’s Steel Magnolias co-star shared a statement, saying: “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”

Alongside a picture of Parton and herself, the singer posted : “I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”

The former US president wrote on X: “It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. 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. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.”

The rapper shared a letter Parton sent to him after he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know you are the very best of it,” Parton wrote to him, adding: “I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow … no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”

“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me,” Eminem wrote. “She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”

The Oscar-winning actor shared a post on Instagram, writing: “Dolly you were a gift to the world, your voice, your philanthropic heart, and warmth made us a feel seen and that the world was a pretty decent place. We miss you.”

The country star shared a picture of the pair on Instagram, adding: “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.”