Stevie Nicks has penned a poignant memorial to her late friend and collaborator Dolly Parton, sharing a handwritten poem and reflecting on their time together in the recording studio.
Parton, the legendary country music icon behind hits like "Jolene" and "9 to 5", died on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
Nicks, the 78-year-old Fleetwood Mac vocalist, took to Instagram on Wednesday to look back on the work she did with Parton for the country star's final album. The pair collaborated on a track titled "What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done For You", which featured on Parton's 2023 release "Rockstar".
A Master Class in Music
Describing the experience as the "best week ever", Nicks recalled her time with Parton in Nashville, the spiritual home of country music.
"I spent a week with Dolly in Nashville to record one of my songs with her for her 'Rock Star' album," the Phoenix-born singer said in her post.
Nicks explained that she sought "to be a sponge" and absorb knowledge from her fellow music icon over the course of those few days. She described the experience of working alongside the veteran performer as highly educational.
"Learning from her was easy because she was a really good teacher," Nicks wrote. "I think she saw me as a really good student; I just tried to listen."
"Rockstar", released in November 2023, marked Parton's first full foray into the rock genre. The ambitious project blended original songs with covers of classic anthems, many featuring the original artists.
The tracklist included a collaboration with Sting on The Police's "Every Breath You Take", a duet with Debbie Harry on Blondie's "Heart of Glass", a performance of Heart's "Magic Man" alongside vocalist Ann Wilson, and a rendition of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" with Elton John.
Rock and Roll Ambitions
Nicks expressed admiration for Parton's successful pivot to a new musical style so late in her celebrated career.
"She said she could become a rock star ~ and I watched her do it," Nicks said. "When I was there she was not even close to being finished gathering more rock & roll songs that she wanted to sing."
Alongside her reflections, Nicks shared a handwritten poem dedicated to Parton.
The tribute read: "So, Dolly, Dolly, Dolly ~ Rock and Roll & Country ~ Carry all those songs with you ~ Right up to heaven ~ Sing your songs to all those you meet."
Referencing Parton's famous ballad, Nicks added: "This will be their blessing.. Dolly, how we'll miss you.. There'll never be another you ~ And I will always love you." She concluded the letter: "Love Love Love, Stevie."
Outpouring of Support
The tribute from Nicks received a flood of reactions from fans and fellow celebrities. Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow took to the replies to dub Parton and Nicks her "two heroes".
The official account for the rock band Garbage commented, calling the pair "Two of the best," while burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese thanked Nicks for sharing her "personal tribute to Dolly."
Nicks previously celebrated their collaboration three years ago on Parton's birthday, posting a photograph of them together in the recording studio. The caption at the time read: "Happy birthday to my new friend @DollyParton! Had so much fun singing with you!"
A Lasting Legacy
Parton passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loved ones.
In a somber statement released on Tuesday, her representatives confirmed the news. "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today," they said.
The statement paid tribute to Parton's extraordinary character and philanthropic efforts, noting she "spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched."
"Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand," the representatives added.
They highlighted her work with the Imagination Library, a program that has donated hundreds of millions of free books to children, and her significant financial contribution to the research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world.
"Dolly's unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact," the statement concluded.
Representatives for Nicks have been contacted for further comment on the story.
