Last night, August 25, 2026, the music world lost one of its longest-standing and most beloved stars. Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80, and with her went a piece of music—particularly country music, of which she was known as the queen—as well as a piece of entertainment and global pop culture. With her one-of-a-kind style, her unmistakable trademarks—from her bouffant hair to her ultra-glamorous makeup—and that sense of humor that won over millions of people around the world, not to mention her music.
And it was the music world—and the entertainment industry more broadly—that mourned her passing. Among the first to pay tribute to the icon was Sabrina Carpenter, with whom Dolly had collaborated on a version of Sabrina’s “Please Please Please,” released on the deluxe edition of her 2024 album *Short n’ Sweet*. On Instagram, the singer wrote: “Oh Dolly. The only things I could say after meeting you for the first time were: ‘You really are an angel sent down to Earth’ and ‘We look like sisters!’ I’ll cherish our laughter and our conversations forever, and I’ll carry your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and your perfect sense of humor with me to draw on during the toughest days. There will never be anyone like you again, and how lucky we are to have been able to experience your unique magic, as well as your one-of-a-kind voice, your songs, and your heart. Your radiance is something the world will forever strive to recapture. I will love you forever.”
Billy Ray Cyrus was also there; he has his roots in country music, but his connection to Dolly was especially strong thanks to his daughter Miley—for whom the recently deceased singer was a godmother—and with whom she shared some truly special moments. While waiting for Miley’s message, her father shared these words: “I have so many moments and memories connected to Dolly that it’s hard to even know where to begin. Like every child, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was part of our lives; she was on our TVs, right in our living rooms. In 1992—I’ll never forget it—I walked into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories claiming I was having an affair with her. In her unmistakable style, Dolly looked at me, winked, and said, ‘Honey, that kind of trash sells records!” Recently, Dolly sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with all her heart. I will always love her the same way… with all my heart… and it will be that way forever.”
Beyoncé, who on her album *Cowboy Carter* reinterpreted one of the most iconic songs, “Jolene,” said in a statement on her website: “Dolly, you were the guiding light. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many people what it means to be uniquely themselves. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your sense of humor, and your entrepreneurial spirit. I am honored to have had the privilege of working with you, and I will cherish this memory forever. Thank you for the profound impact you’ve had on the world. You are an angel who made this world a happier place through your joyful art. You are truly one of a kind. Rest in peace.”
Eminem also made a surprise appearance, sharing a letter signed by Dolly in which she congratulated him on his induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, writing: “I’m sorry we never had the chance to meet, but receiving this message from Dolly really touched me. She certainly wasn’t obligated to take the time to do so. Even for a kid who mainly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar through and through. Rest in peace, Dolly. And thank you for your kind words.”
Jeff and Lauren Bezos also shared their memories of the queen of country music. “Dolly spent her entire life showing us what it means to put love first. Lauren and I are deeply grateful to have known her. She brought strength and joy to everyone through her music, her generosity, and her enthusiasm. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and to all the people she touched with her presence,” wrote the Amazon founder.
Lauren, on the other hand, shared these words: “Dolly is gone, and my heart is broken. I grew up with her music. I knew every song by heart. And I still know them all today. She was with me during the best days of my life and the hardest ones, without even knowing how much she meant to me. That’s what she did for millions of us. Then I was lucky enough to meet her, and in some way, I discovered that she was even greater than the legend we all knew. She was the one who gave meaning to our Courage and Civility Award—not the other way around. She used to say she always tried to put her money where her heart was. And her heart was with children. It always had been. For thirty years, month after month, she sent free books by mail to children who didn’t have any, because her father had never learned to read. The songs will keep playing. And we all know the words. Thank you, Dolly. I’ll love you forever.”
Jane Fonda shared a long message, along with historical photos, in which she writes: “I’m devastated. I just heard that Dolly has passed away. I know millions of people are mourning her loss, and I want to say this: more than anyone I’ve ever known, Dolly will always be with us, because she was so present, so powerful, generous, and playful that she’s now forever woven into our lives and our hearts. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, *9 to 5*, the millions of books she put into children’s hands, all those iconic images that continue to bring her back to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for everything she left us—things that can help ease our sadness today. I’ve never known anyone like her. She was at once a Southern girl—mischievous and playful, raised in the mountains of Tennessee—and a deep, sensitive woman, capable of seeing beyond people to their very essence. She was so many things: a songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, writer, prankster, visionary, and loyal friend—one of those people who would never go to sleep before laughing so hard with friends that she had to keep her legs crossed. She had the instinct of someone who knows how to survive and always seemed to know what to do, what to say, to set things right… and then she’d stick her butt out the car window to stick her tongue out at Kenny Rogers’ house. She was the full, unbridled embodiment of empathy. It’s something about her that she’d want us all to carry with us. To her gay and trans fans, I want to say one thing: she loved you. You know that even without me telling you. She loved all her fans, and there are so many of them. And you also know that she wouldn’t want to see you crying today. Dress up and celebrate her spirit. But first, watch the latest episode of *Grace and Frankie*, where she plays an angel: the leader of the angels of the people, up there in heaven. Rest in peace, beautiful woman. We love you.”
Mick Jagger shared a heartfelt tribute: “What an extraordinary songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, and we will miss her immensely.”
The list continues with Elton John: “I am shocked and devastated by the news of Dolly’s passing. She was a giant of music and the arts, unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart one could imagine.”
Taylor Swift, on the other hand—who shares her country music roots with Dolly Parton—paid tribute to the late singer-songwriter in a statement reported by *People*: “A world without Dolly doesn’t seem possible, real, or right. But thanks to the eternally generous way she chose to spend her time on this Earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be eternal. Dolly gave us someone to look up to, while at the same time encouraging us to be ourselves.” The singer remembered Parton for her ability to share “lessons about the world with tenderness and honesty, often with great wit as well.” “She managed to give the world mystery and fantasy, allowing some aspects of her life to remain shrouded in secrecy, yet she was completely transparent when it truly mattered. In some ways, she was both genuine grace and unshakable strength, all wrapped up in one extraordinary person. She had the tenderest heart when faced with others’ struggles and a backbone of steel when it came to defending her worth as an artist. Along with all her other fans, I am so grateful for all of this. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote, which managed to melt even the coldest of hearts. For the millions of books she brought to children all over the world, so they could fall in love with stories just as she had. For the tightropes she walked, allowing girls like me to grow up dreaming—even if just for a moment—of becoming part of a circus. Dolly, I’ll think of you every step of the way…».
A special tribute also came from Buckingham Palace, where the guards played the song “9 to 5” in honor of the icon. “Remembering the great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort, and inspiration to so many people, including the millions of children who received free books through her Imagination Library. We will love you forever,” wrote the Royal Family in a video featuring the tribute.
[📸 Instagram:sabrinacarpenter]
