Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a secret battle with cancer, prompting an emotional tribute from her close friend Liza Minnelli.
Minnelli, 80, shared a heartbroken message following Parton's death on Tuesday, reflecting on their deep bond, shared memories, and decades of mutual support.
Writing on social media after news of Parton's passing broke, the Oscar-winning actress described her profound shock and grief at losing one of her closest friends.
"The sound we hear isn’t thunder; it’s hearts cracking all over the world. No. It can’t be true," Minnelli wrote, adding that her heart and throat were full as she struggled to express her sorrow.
Minnelli added that Parton was a truly supportive friend throughout her life, writing: "This is devastating for so many reasons. I love Dolly. And she was always a truly supportive friend. We cheered each other on many times."
Referring to her own public struggles with addiction and four divorces, Minnelli noted Parton's intuitive ability to offer comfort during difficult periods. "When I was in trouble? Dolly knew it," Minnelli recalled.
Spicy Gossip and Shared Memories
The two entertainment legends were first introduced by their mutual talent agent, Sam Haskell. Minnelli reminisced about sharing great meals with Parton after watching each other perform onstage, where the pair routinely exchanged spicy girl gossip.
Haskell also represented singer Michael Feinstein, Minnelli's longtime best friend, musical collaborator, and co-writer of her new memoir, Kids, Wait 'Til You Hear This!.
Through their shared agent, Feinstein recorded a duet of "Love Is Here To Stay" with Parton for his Gershwin Country album, which Minnelli executive produced. Minnelli recalled that the track became an immediate hit.
"Because of Sam, our tribe has special & beautiful memories of Dolly. Sam brought Dolly into our lives in powerful ways," Minnelli wrote.
Tributes From 44 Years of Friendship
Finding herself at a loss for words from grief, Minnelli quoted extensively from a statement that Haskell gave to People regarding Parton's death.
Haskell, who managed and worked alongside Parton for 44 years, praised the country icon as a woman of profound faith, dazzling humor, extraordinary integrity, and boundless generosity.
Minnelli had previously shared a glowing Instagram tribute to Parton in January when the Queen of Country celebrated what turned out to be her final birthday.
The Arthur star called Parton a national treasure who gave from her heart each day. The Cabaret actress added in her message that people around the world adored Parton and that God loved her.
Honoring the Queen of Country
Parton's devastated family and loved ones have gathered at a burial site in Nashville, where the country star will be laid to rest wearing heels beside her late husband, Carl Dean.
While Minnelli famously originated the title song for Martin Scorsese's 1977 film New York, New York, an unofficial anthem for New York City, Parton became deeply identified with the country music capital of Nashville.
Following her passing, official steps are being taken to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of Parton. A press release issued by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority confirmed that Parton's representatives were open to the move, according to Page Six.
Governor Lee stated that Parton's extraordinary life was forever woven into the fabric of Tennessee, noting that she carried the Volunteer Spirit with her from her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages.
Lee added that it was fitting for Nashville International Airport to bear the name of Tennessee's favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Parton's music, generosity, faith, and kindness.
