Music stars, politicians and more react to death of icon Dolly Parton
What This Story Is About
- Music and movie stars, politicians and more are reacting to the death of Dolly Parton.
Why It Matters
- Dolly Parton was beloved and recently celebrated her 80th birthday.
What Happens Next
- No details about funeral or memorial services were announced.
Catch Up
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Reactions are coming from everywhere regarding the death of icon Dolly Parton.
Parton’s family announced her death on Tuesday afternoon.
Tennessee governor designates ‘Dolly Parton Day’ on Queen of Country’s birthday
How are stars and leaders reacting to Dolly Parton’s death?
Fellow musicians:
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. 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. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. 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, Reba.”
“It is indeed rare for the world, collectively, to express sorrow for someone’s passing. I knew her to be the angel that they think she was, and I’ll miss her. Dolly, I’ll always love you. -Trace”
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.
In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize 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!”
Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will."
- Billy Ray Cyrus
“She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is. She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special. She was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on. She was a one of one and no one will ever come close. It’s alright to be sad that this world lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home. ❤️🦋"
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a an impact on me. 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.”
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends. 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.”
“Our whole family is devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. Dolly was an icon, a legend, a world unto herself. But even more, she was mom’s friend. She was her “mountain sister”. They understood each other. Our hearts go out to all of Dolly’s family and team. We take comfort in knowing the Honky Tonk Angels are together again and that one day, we will hear them live again. Sending our love, The Lynn Family."
“Dolly. This really really hurts.”
“You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world, @DollyParton. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.” — gs
“Rest in peace Dolly Parton, I wish I had the honor of meeting you. You were everyone’s favorite artist. Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know.”
“There will never be another.@dollyparton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light.”
“My East Tennessee angel, thank you for every ounce of magic and butterflies, acceptance and joy, heart and music you brought to this world. we will always love you dolly. 💔"
“Quite simply The G.O.A.T Thanks for the songs, the laughs, the humility and grace. Without a doubt a woman who God truly has his hands on. Rock on Dolly, baby rock on.”
“We have a bridge back home that you cross on I65 right before you get into Mobile, nicknamed the “Dolly Parton” bridge. Dolly always reminded us of gettin’ home after a long run. She went home today; one of the most influential writers and performers of our time. RIP Dolly."
“Dolly Parton, an American Original and an absolute country music hero, has sadly passed away. Rest in peace. The whole world will miss you.”
“Very, very sad. She was a sweet and kind soul and I’m proud to say I knew her. And I witnessed she always took time to stop and greet anyone around her. There will never be another Dolly.”
“I’ve said often in my life, “What will the world be without Dolly?” From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her. At 15 years old, my family uprooted their lives so I could start chasing my dreams, working in the country show at Dollywood. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of not only working with Dolly, but getting to know her. She was exactly who we all hoped she would be — kind, funny, gracious, and one of a kind. Heaven got a whole lot sassier, funnier, and brighter today. I will do my part as a woman in country music to continue carrying the light she shined so brightly for all of us. I love you, @DollyParton. - forever your little @Dollywood girl."
“What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”
“RIP to Dolly Parton,,, one of the greatest musical and American icons. She championed children, education, kindness and the overall goodness of human race. Condolences to her family, friends, team and fans.”
“She was one of the greatest to ever do it, with a gift for making everyone around her feel special. Her music, her heart, her faith, her generosity, and the light she brought into this world will live on forever. Praying for her family and everyone who loved her.”
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She has a heart of gold and a spirit that touched so many lives. She was a true woman of God, an incredible entertainer, and of course, one of the pillars of country music.
Marie and I had the pleasure of having Dolly on our show, and what a pleasure it was. She had the most amazing way of making everyone in that studio feel like they were her best friend. I think it was that sweet Southern hospitality in her.
Rest in peace, Dolly. What a beautiful life you lived, and what a gift you were to the world. Your name will be forever remembered by all.
“We will always love you!”
“Dolly was pure light sent from heaven. My mentor is gone. My songwriting teacher and hero of grace and humility. There is a hole in my heart but the joy of just the thought of her smile will continue to fill me with inspiration for as long as I live. I will cherish this moment performing Coat Of Many Colors with Dolly forever. Goodbye Dolly. Rest in peace, beautiful angel.”
“From our hearts to the throne of glory, we release one of our greatest angels….our butterfly, Dolly.
I’ve been blessed to know many wonderful folks throughout my career in country music; but, none quite like you, Dolly. You had a way of making everyone around you feel most important. Your kindness was genuine, your faith strong, your humor lit up a room, and that beautiful heart of yours was even bigger than the remarkable voice the world fell in love with.
I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the conversations, the laughs, and the goodness you showed me through the years—especially during the chapters of my life when your encouragement meant more than you probably ever knew. You gave country music some of its sweetest memories and most iconic songs; but, you gave the world something greater…yourself. And, you gave it all! Now, it’s your turn to dance with Carl—
Thank you for showing all of us how to carry success with grace and how to use the gifts God gave us to bless others. Your mission to make people happy and lift them up while glorifying God, is complete. You have planted so many trees under whose shade you will never sit… you have made this world a better place. There will never be another you, Dolly. Rest peaceful, my sweet friend, until we meet again…and, next time, I’ll be sneaking up on you!
I will always love you… forever and ever, Amen"
“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 respectfully.”
Politicians:
“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. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
“Rare is the one who climbs to the pinnacle of fame, then scoffs at its allure, only to retain the genuine humility that defines them.
Dolly Parton was one of a kind, who loved people, her work, her family, and her Lord. Tennessee has forever been changed – enhanced – by her, and will never be quite the same without Dolly."
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear:
“Dolly Parton was an American icon who brought people together and spread joy. In Kentucky, she shared her love of reading through her Imagination Library, sparking brighter futures for thousands of children across our commonwealth. There aren’t enough words to sum up the impact and legacy Dolly leaves behind, but it is clear that it will continue for generations to come. Britainy and I are praying for Dolly’s family and all those hurting from this enormous loss.”
“There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton. An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation. Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you.”
“Kelly and I are saddened by the news of Dolly’s passing. She was an incredible East Tennessean who served as an inspiration to little girls everywhere. Dolly never changed her accent or forgot where she came from.”
“Dolly Parton was one of the great entertainers of our era. She was not only a talented musician & songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief.Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be sorely missed.”
“Rest in peace, Dolly Parton - a true legend and force for good. May her memory be a blessing.”
“The world mourns the loss of a Queen, but Dolly never wore a crown, because she never forgot where she came from. She belonged to Tennessee, but somehow she also belonged to everyone of us. She gave the world her music, her laughter, her bigheartedness, and a little piece of the Smoky Mountains everywhere she went. She showed us all that you can rise from almost nothing to the very top and still remain humble, kind, faithful, and proud of home. Today, Tennessee has lost our greatest daughter, and the world has lost a light that simply cannot be replaced. Long live the Queen!”
“Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”
Other artists:
“I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on. 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. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, “9to5,” the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now. 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. 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.
She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right...and then she’s stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Roger’s home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.
To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. 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.
RIP, beautiful woman. We love you. ❤️"
J.K. Rowling (Author of Harry Potter):
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity. Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck. RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
“A giant talent. One of the best song writers ever!A gigantic influence and genius of popular music. One of the greatest entertainers of all time. But most importantly, a generous, kind and loving human being. Blessed to be alive at the same time as Dolly Parton. God bless YOU!”
“What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the pardon family. Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”
“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.”
Important Musical Organizations:
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity. She was a champion of equality and literacy. She was a picture of dignity, even when dressed outrageously. Anyone who seeks to be more like Dolly is on the right track, but they’ll never get to the finish line. She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee. She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang.”
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton. There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her. We will always love you, Dolly.”
“Few stars could light up a screen, tell a story through a song, or find their way into our hearts quite like Dolly Parton.
Dolly brought something entirely her own to everything she did. She was radiant on screen and in song; she could put a lifetime of feeling into just a few words. And through it all, there was a warmth to Dolly that made her feel wonderfully close to us.
A two-time Oscar nominee, Dolly was also honored by the Academy last year with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognized the extraordinary compassion and generosity she shared so freely with others.
We will always love you, Dolly. ❤️"
Other tributes to Dolly Parton:
Morgan Cyrus:
“When I think about Dolly, it’s like, she grew up poor, you know, and with no privilege. And she worked so hard and made it to Nashville. ... But what she went through to get there and what she’s done for the world is just, you can’t touch it.”
“One of my fondest memories with Dolly Parton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly.
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."
“There was only one Dolly and I feel lucky to have known her. We’ll miss you, Dolly. Tennessee won’t be the same without her!”
U.S. Department of the Interior:
“Dolly Parton carried the music, stories and spirit of her Tennessee mountain home wherever she went. She was a lifelong champion of the Great Smoky Mountains and proudly shared her love for them with the world. While we may no longer see her working 9 to 5, we will always love her. Here’s to Dolly, who made our world a little more beautiful.”
“We join the rest of the world in mourning the passing of entertainment icon Dolly Parton.”
I can see the light of a clear blue morningI can see the light of a brand new dayDolly, it was an honor to have traveled around the Sun with you. 💫
“Her spirit shone bright. Her presence graced our city. Her joy moved our hearts. Her songs are woven through our lives.
Thank you, Dolly Parton, for all you did for our community. Thank you for the honor of sharing your music on our stage.
We will always love you."
Dolly Parton’s impact is immeasurable.Her music brought generations together. Her commitment to literacy opened doors for millions of children. Her generosity supported lifesaving research at @VUMCHealth"
The Pinnacle put up a pink sign outside its entrance to honor Dolly Parton.
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