Lance Joseph Martinez

A Legendary Farewell: Tributes Pour In Following Dolly Parton’s Passing

Article (news)

<p>The music world is mourning the loss of country music icon <strong>Dolly Parton</strong>, who passed away at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her representatives confirmed her death on August 25, 2026, at <strong>Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center</strong> in Nashville, with the specific type of cancer not disclosed.</p><p>In a statement sent to <strong></strong><em>PEOPLE</em><strong></strong>, her representative reflected on Dolly’s remarkable life and the lasting impact she made through both her music and philanthropy. “Our beloved Dolly Parton 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 statement read.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787729388609[image] - 4902416.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @dollyparton</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The representative continued by highlighting Dolly&#x27;s philanthropic work, including her <strong>Imagination Library</strong> and contributions to medical research, before confirming the circumstances of her passing.</p><p>“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding 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. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787729750819[image] - 1214070.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @dollyparton</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Adding to the heartbreak is that Dolly’s passing comes just over a year after the death of her husband,<strong> Carl Thomas Dean,</strong> who passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82.</p><p>The couple shared a remarkable love story that spanned nearly six decades. Their relationship began in 1964, when they first met outside a Nashville laundromat, and they remained married throughout Dolly&#x27;s extraordinary rise to fame.</p><p>Whether you grew up listening to her music or simply knew her as one of the most recognizable names in entertainment, Dolly’s impact is difficult to miss. As the world remembers the <strong>“Queen of Country,”</strong> <strong></strong>METRO<strong> </strong>looks back at her remarkable life and legacy, while honoring the celebrities and fans who have begun paying tribute to the beloved icon.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DceNXgPJyZ9/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1666857.900000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="510" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>She passed away at the age of 80.</strong></div><p>Born Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean on January 19, 1946, Dolly Parton rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of the most celebrated figures in music and entertainment. She was a renowned musician and songwriter who also made her mark as an actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman.</p><p>Born in a one-room cabin along the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Dolly would go on to build a remarkable career spanning decades. Affectionately known as the<strong> “Queen of Country</strong>,<strong>”</strong> she became one of the most decorated and influential performers in country music history.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787729789557[image] - 6039051.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean | Photo from @dollyparton</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>She is one of the most decorated musicians.</strong></div><p>Dolly Parton’s influence on music is undeniable, with a career that has cemented her as one of the most accomplished and celebrated artists in country music. Her journey began at a young age, performing on local radio and television programs across East Tennessee. By the time she was 10, she was already appearing on <strong><em>The Cas Walker Show</em></strong> on <strong>WIVK Radio</strong> and <strong>WBIR-TV</strong> in Knoxville.</p><p>At just 13, Dolly recorded her first single, <strong>“Puppy Love,”</strong> under the Louisiana-based <strong>Goldband Records.</strong> She also made her debut at the<strong> Grand Ole Opry,</strong> where she met country legend <strong>Johnny Cash.</strong> After introducing her as “a little girl here from up in East Tennessee,” Johnny encouraged the young performer to trust her instincts and carve out her own path in the industry.</p><p>Over the years, Dolly went on to create some of country music’s most enduring hits, including<strong> “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,”</strong> and<strong> “9 to 5.”</strong> Her extraordinary career has earned her numerous accolades, including 11 <strong>Grammy Awards, </strong>three <strong>Emmy Awards, </strong>and the<strong> Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award,</strong> alongside nominations for two<strong> Academy Awards, </strong>six <strong>Golden Globe Awards,</strong> and a <strong>Tony Award.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787729930920[image] - 7930852.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @dollyparton</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787729955842[image] - 9335293.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @dollyparton</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Stars pay tribute to Dolly Parton after her passing</strong></div><p>The magnitude of Dolly Parton’s passing was further highlighted by an announcement from <strong>U.S. President Donald Trump. </strong>Following news of the country music icon’s death, Trump ordered American flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff for one week, beginning at 6 PM.</p><p>Paying tribute to Dolly, Trump hailed her as “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.” He also described her passing as a profound loss for her millions of fans, adding, “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Beyoncé</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787730049800Screenshot 2026-08-26 154029.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Screenshot from Beyonce.com</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, <strong>Beyoncé</strong>, who collaborated with Dolly on her 2024 album<strong><em> Cowboy Carter</em></strong>, also paid tribute to the country music icon following the news of her passing. Parton appeared on the album, while Beyoncé also delivered her own rendition of Dolly&#x27;s classic hit <strong>“Jolene</strong>.<strong>”</strong></p><p>In a heartfelt message shared on her website, Beyoncé reflected on Dolly&#x27;s influence and the opportunity to work alongside the legendary singer. “Dolly, you were 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,” the superstar wrote.</p><p>Beyoncé continued by expressing how much the collaboration meant to her, adding, “I&#x27;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.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Taylor Swift</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787730726867[image] - 6491947.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @taylorswift</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Taylor Swift</strong>,<strong> </strong>who began her own career in country music before becoming a global pop superstar, also mourned the passing of Dolly Parton, whom she regarded as a role model and inspiration. Reflecting on Parton’s lasting influence, Taylor shared with <strong></strong><em>The Hollywood Reporter</em>,<strong> </strong>“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”</p><p>The singer-songwriter continued to honor the many ways Dolly inspired generations, writing, “She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.”</p><p>Taylor also reflected on Dolly&#x27;s contributions beyond music, concluding, “For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too. Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Sabrina Carpenter</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787730151742[image] - 1126360.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @sabrinacarpenter</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Pop star <strong>Sabrina Carpenter</strong> also paid tribute to Dolly Parton, reflecting on the profound influence the country music legend had on her. The two shared a special musical connection, most notably through their 2025 collaboration on a remix of Sabrina&#x27;s <strong>“Please Please Please</strong>.<strong>”</strong></p><p>In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Sabrina recalled her first meeting with Dolly and the immediate impression the icon left on her. “the only thing i could say after we first met was &quot;she really is an angel walking the earth&quot; and “we look like we could be sisters!&quot;” Sabrina wrote.</p><p>Sabrina went on to cherish the memories they shared, particularly Dolly&#x27;s warmth, wisdom, and unmistakable sense of humor.</p><p>“i will cherish our laughter and conversations and i will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor 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”” she added.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Eminem</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787730602887[image] - 3902640.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @eminem</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Eminem </strong>also joined the many artists mourning Dolly Parton, sharing a heartfelt message alongside a letter he once received from the country music icon following his induction into the<strong> Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Reflecting on the unexpected gesture, Eminem wrote on Instagram, “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 you for the kind words.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Oprah Winfrey</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787729151089[image] - 7094020.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @oprah</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>From one legend to another, <strong>Oprah Winfrey</strong> also paid tribute to Dolly Parton, honoring the country icon for the extraordinary life she built and the generosity she showed throughout her career.</p><p>Describing Dolly as a “girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee,” Oprah reflected on how she “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.”</p><p>She continued, “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.”</p><p>Dolly&#x27;s passing has also prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry. Among the stars who have shared messages remembering the legendary singer through their social media posts, comments, and Stories are <strong>Jennifer Lopez</strong>,<strong> Reese Witherspoon</strong>,<strong> Billy Ray Cyrus</strong>,<strong> Jane Fonda</strong>,<strong> Khloé Kardashian</strong>, <strong>Carrie Underwood</strong>,<strong></strong> and many others.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Rest in peace, Dolly Parton.</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>@dollyparton</strong></p>

<p>Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Eminem are among the stars who paid tribute to Dolly Parton, honoring the country music legend following her passing at the age of 80.</p>

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Eminem are among the stars who paid tribute to Dolly Parton, honoring the country music legend following her passing at the age of 80.