Tributes are flowing around the world for country music legend, actress and humanitarian Dolly Parton, who passed away on Wednesday morning aged 80. Her nephew and head of security, Byran Seaver, confirmed the tragic news in a social media video.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he said.
“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
Dolly Parton’s legacy
Dolly, aka the “Queen of Country”, had a career spanning seven decades and 50 studio albums. She is one of the best-selling musicians ever and wrote over 3,000 songs, including the mega-hits “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene”.
During her career, she received 11 Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, as well as two Academy Award nominations and a Tony Award nomination. She starred in the films 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and had a recurring role on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana as the title character’s godmother — a role she also held in real life for Miley Cyrus.
She was also a philanthropist focused on disaster relief, medical research, and childhood literacy, gifting over 300 million books globally by 2025, and a successful businesswoman. She founded the film and TV production company, her own record labels and the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.
Tributes flow for Dolly Parton
Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Dolly in the 1980 comedy film 9 to 5, posted on Instagram that she was “devastated” to learn she had “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,” she wrote.
“We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, 9 to 5, 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.”
The actress went on to say that she never knew anyone like Dolly, describing her as “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.”
“To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you,” she continued. “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.”
Beyoncé, who collaborated with Dolly on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, shared a tribute to Dolly on her website, describing her as “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 humour, your entrepreneurship,” she wrote.
“I’m honoured 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.”
Sabrina Carpenter, who released a remix of “Please Please Please” with the superstar in 2025, also paid tribute on Instagram.
“The only thing I could say after we first met was ‘she really is an angel walking the earth’ and ‘we look like we could be sisters!’,” she recalled.
“I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humour in my pocket for the rainy days. 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. Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again. I will always love you.”
‘A true force of nature’
Dolly’s Steel Magnolias co-star Julia Roberts said in a statement that the “Jolene” singer was “a magical and joyous human”, adding: “I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
Elton John posted on his Instagram Story that he was “shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing”, describing her as “a giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable with the kindest heart”. Barbra Streisand also shared a throwback photo with Dolly and said she was “a true force of nature”
Kelly Clarkson wrote on Instagram that Dolly 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,” she said.
Paul McCartney said Dolly was “a wonderful woman” who he had the pleasure of meeting in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry with Porter Wagoner when she 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 unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly,” he posted on Instagram.
“She was a very clever businesswoman 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, l am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.”
Eminem shared his own tribute alongside a letter Dolly wrote to him when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it,” he said. “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'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… pic.twitter.com/LPHi3cKe5m
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) August 25, 2026
Fellow country singer Reba McEntire shared a lengthy post thanking Dolly “for all the wonderful things [she] 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,” she said.
“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 favourite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.”
Reese Witherspoon posted a sweet video with Dolly on Instagram and said she’s grateful to have called the superstar her friend.
“When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music. Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller,” she wrote.
“Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels. Always signed: ‘I will always love you.’ Dolly, I miss you already. Your talent, your wisdom and your beautiful spirit lit up our lives. Go soar with your angels…. We will always love you.”
@pedestriantv Rest in peace Dolly Parton, we will always love you ❤️ #dollyparton #reesewitherspoon
♬ original sound – PEDESTRIAN.TV
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared his own tribute on social media, saying that the singer “made our world a better place in so many ways”.
“One of the joys of my time in Government was when I was able to help Dolly overcome a bit of red tape and get her tour bus on to Australian roads in 2011. It was a magical experience meeting her, but what was even better was seeing her among her legions of local fans,” he shared.
“There are a lot of broken hearts in Australia and across the world today. Wherever you are, turn your stereo or your phone to Dolly then turn the volume up. And may the great Dolly Parton rest in peace.”
Dolly Parton made our world a better place in so many ways, it’s hard to imagine the world without her. A singer and songwriter of rare power and talent, she also shone brightly as an actor, author and philanthropist.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 25, 2026
And the big, radiant heart of the Dolly universe was a…
President Donald Trump also posted on his Truth Social account that Dolly was “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER”, and ordered US flags to fly at half-mast for a week in tribute.
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. We will always love you.
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