Actress Sally Field was seen arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday, marking her first public appearance since her Steel Magnolias co-star Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
The 79-year-old screen star was accompanied by a relative as she walked through LAX with her small black dog in tow. Field wore wide-leg light wash blue jeans, a button-up blue shirt, a black blazer, white sneakers with pink soles, and an LA Dodgers baseball cap, with her greying dark hair spilling out from underneath and square-shaped eyeglasses completing her casual outfit.
Field and Parton famously starred together in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, a drama following a group of women in the American South who lean on each other through life's trials and tribulations. Field, an acclaimed Oscar-winning actress known for classic screen roles, formed a close friendship with the country music icon during production.
In the wake of Parton's death, Field took to Instagram to pay tribute to her former co-star by sharing a photograph of the cast from the late 1980s movie set. "If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one," Field wrote in her caption.
Field continued her emotional tribute to the legendary singer and actress in the post. "Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly," she wrote.
Tributes from Co-Stars
Shirley MacLaine, 92, who also starred alongside Field and Parton in Steel Magnolias, offered her own moving statement following Parton's death. In a statement provided to People magazine, the veteran actress said: "God sent her to us, and she has returned home."
Parton's death was officially confirmed on Tuesday in an Instagram video posted by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver. Seaver revealed in the clip that the video announcement was something Parton had requested of him years prior. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," Seaver said.
Seaver lauded his aunt for having "lived in the light" throughout her life and career. He added that she was now "in the arms of Jesus" and reunited with her late husband Carl Dean, her parents, and "countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens."
Parton passed away after being admitted on August 21 to Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center with autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ. Four days before her death, the singer told People magazine that she had "so many things I want to achieve," including plans to launch a new hotel and museum in Nashville, Tennessee.
Final Farewell and Honors
As fans worldwide mourn the Queen of Country, Parton's devastated loved ones have gathered at a Nashville burial site. The legendary singer will be laid to rest wearing heels beside her late husband, Carl Dean.
Parton's legacy could soon expand with a lasting landmark in her home state. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport are seeking to rename the travel hub in her honor. Governor Lee confirmed he has spoken directly to Parton's team regarding the proposal.
Parton's representatives expressed appreciation for the gesture and stated they are open to the idea, according to Page Six, citing a joint press release from Governor Lee and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
"Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Governor Lee declared in the official statement. "From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her."
Governor Lee added: "At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness."
