Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her nephew Bryan Seaver announced on August 25, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the entertainment world.
Her long-time friend and fellow country star Reba McEntire led the global mourning alongside music icons Beyoncé and Paul McCartney, Hollywood costars Jane Fonda and Julia Roberts, and television presenter Oprah Winfrey.
The announcement of Parton's passing was accompanied by details of her final wish, which was to be buried in plush cotton.
McEntire, 71, shared a carousel of photographs on Instagram depicting their decades-long friendship, paying tribute to Parton's extraordinary generosity and musical legacy.
"Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side," McEntire wrote. "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," McEntire continued, noting that she would never forget the first time they met or their final conversation. She signed off: "I will always love you, Reba."
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis recalled meeting her idol, writing on Instagram: "They say don't meet your heroes. Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on. She is a great example for us all."
Country singer Kelsea Ballerini also paid tribute to her "East Tennessee angel," thanking Parton for "every ounce of magic and butterflies, acceptance and joy, heart and music you brought to this world."
Pop and country stars honor a musical legend
Kacey Musgraves expressed her heartbreak on X, writing, "This really hurts," before adding in a follow-up post: "The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today." Parton's husband Carl Dean passed away in March 2025.
Maren Morris shared a video of Parton inviting her to sing together, captioning the post: "There will never be another. @dollyparton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light."
Superstar Beyoncé posted a dedicated tribute on her website on August 25, describing Parton 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 humor, your entrepreneurship," Beyoncé wrote, highlighting their collaboration on an updated version of "Jolene" for her Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter. "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."
Keith Urban shared on Instagram Stories that he was "heartbroken today" and had "no words right now," while Kelly Clarkson lamented on X that Parton had a unique way of making everyone feel special, seen and welcomed as old friends.
Grammy winner Shaboozey called Parton "everyone’s favorite artist" and thanked her for giving the world "some of the greatest music we’ll ever know," while "Stick Season" singer Noah Kahan thanked her on X for "the joy and the music and the example you set for us all."
Hollywood costars remember a screen icon
Oprah Winfrey posted to Instagram recalling shared memories wearing Bob Mackie gowns on Parton's television 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," Winfrey wrote. "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."
Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Parton in the iconic 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, emphasized that Parton remains woven into millions of lives through her songs, her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, and the millions of books distributed to children through her Imagination Library literacy program.
Fonda also offered a direct message to Parton's LGBTQ+ supporters: "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." Fonda concluded: "RIP, beautiful woman. We love you."
Reese Witherspoon recalled playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, sharing that Parton took her to dinner and shared stories about how Carter charmed country music. Parton gave Witherspoon the courage to put her whole spirit into the Oscar-winning role and sent notes of encouragement signed "I will always love you" throughout her career.
Julia Roberts, who starred with Parton in the 1989 drama Steel Magnolias, described her in a statement to Variety as a "magical and joyous human" and declared that "the sun has dimmed today." Fellow Steel Magnolias costar Sally Field posted a throwback cast photo on Instagram, writing: "If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together."
Musical collaborators and rock legends pay homage
Former Beatles member Paul McCartney recalled meeting Parton at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville when she was performing alongside country star Porter Wagoner before launching her solo career. McCartney praised her songwriting, singing, philanthropy and business acumen as unrivaled in country music.
McCartney expressed immense pride in Parton recording a cover of his Beatles classic "Let It Be," stating: "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."
Cyndi Lauper called Parton a role model who used her fame and money to help others, writing: "I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, 'What would Dolly do?'" Meanwhile, Barbra Streisand wrote on social media: "So sorry to hear about Dolly: she was a true force of nature. May she rest in peace."
Joan Jett remembered collaborating with Parton on "I Hate Myself For Loving You" for Parton's 2023 album Rockstar, calling it a highlight of her career. KISS singer Gene Simmons praised Parton as a sweet and kind soul who always stopped to greet fans, while Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth recalled how Parton agreed to duet on one of her records.
Broad wave of tributes across the entertainment industry
Blake Shelton recalled working with Parton and Gwen Stefani on television singing competition The Voice, writing on X that Parton was "the EXACT person that you think she is... the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family."
Reality television star Khloe Kardashian shared memories of her Dolly Parton-themed birthday party on Instagram Story, calling Parton a once-in-a-lifetime soul whose existence felt almost impossible. Television personality Kathie Lee Gifford described herself as completely devastated by the loss of her precious friend who encouraged her daily.
Happy Days actor Henry Winkler described her passing as a sad day for America, the world and the Parton family, while Oscar nominee Colman Domingo noted Parton taught the world that people can do anything with kindness. Paris Hilton called Parton a true icon who left the world better than she found it.
Frozen actor Josh Gad expressed his heartache on social media, writing: "This one just hurts too much. We have already lost too many of our 20th century musical greats, but today we lost one of our all-time-greats." Cody Linley remembered working with Parton on Hannah Montana, calling her a sweet soul who exuded positivity.
Model Tess Holliday posted a picture of her Dolly Parton tattoo after pulling over on the side of the road sobbing, thanking Parton for showing women everywhere how to exist "loud, unapologetic, kind, and the ultimate southern baddie."
Former The View co-host Meghan McCain called meeting Parton the highlight of her television career. McCain shared how Parton's famous quote, "The way I see it if you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain," helped her through grief. 'NSYNC singer Lance Bass and Bravo host Andy Cohen also joined the tributes, celebrating Parton's music, kindness and joy.
