Celebrities Remember Dolly Parton’s Life and Legacy

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THE RUNDOWN

• Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80.
• Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death on behalf of the Parton family. A cause of death has not been shared.
• Following the news, Parton’s friends, fellow musicians, and longtime admirers began sharing tributes to the country music legend.

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Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80. Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death on Tuesday, August 25, in a video shared on Parton’s official Instagram account on behalf of the Parton and Owens family. A cause of death was not specified.

Parton’s career spanned nearly seven decades, from her early years as a songwriter in Nashville to becoming one of country music’s most recognizable figures. Her discography included songs like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” while her work extended into film, television, business, and philanthropy. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

The news came four days after Parton spoke publicly about her recent health issues, telling People that although she was “still healin’,” she was also “still workin’” and had “so many things I want to achieve.”

As news of her death spread, musicians, actors, designers, and others who worked with or admired Parton shared memories and messages in her honor. Read their tributes below.

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Jane Fonda

Fonda, who starred alongside Parton in 9 to 5, shared an extended tribute to her longtime friend:

I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this—more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, “9to5,” the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now. I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves. She was many things…lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.

She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right…and then she’s stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Roger’s home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.

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. RIP, beautiful woman. We love you. ❤️

Kacey Musgraves

Musgraves shared several messages about Parton on X. “Dolly. ???? This really really hurts,” she wrote in one post.

In another, she wrote, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”

Musgraves also reflected on Parton reuniting with her husband, who died in March 2025. “So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today,” she wrote.

Reba McEntire

McEntire shared photos of herself and Parton on Instagram and reflected on their friendship:

Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side.

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.

I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart.

I will always love you, Reba.

Keke Palmer

Palmer posted a photo of Parton followed by an old image of the two of them together on Instagram. “I’m devastated. Truly,” she wrote.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Curtis kept her Instagram tribute brief, writing, “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it.”

Pedro Pascal

Pascal shared a photo of Parton on Instagram. “One of one ????. We must make more. #DollyParton #Love,” he wrote.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Parker shared a series of photos of Parton on Instagram and wrote:

“No!!!!!!
I never met @dollyparton but my gosh, did I love her.
I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her.
One of the greatest this country ever produced.
Legend. For real.
Forever.
And always advocating for those she knew and understood needed a champion.
What a loss. But aren’t we so lucky, so fortunate for the endless gifts she shared.
With the world.
Godspeed and RIP.
You will be terribly missed.
Xxx, SJ”

The Muppets

The Muppets shared photos from Parton’s appearances with Miss Piggy and other Muppets, writing:

“There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton. She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist. She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off. ????”

Donatella Versace

Versace honored Parton with a photo on Instagram. She wrote:

“The world has lost one of the kindest and most generous of souls, the greatest of story tellers and a true legend of music. So many lives were made better because of you. Thank you Dolly, for everything. @dollyparton ????️”

Sheryl Crow

Crow reflected on Parton’s impact, writing:

“There is a hole in the universe. There was and will never be anyone like Dolly. I did not know her well but I loved her like family… we all did. She was an incredible story teller musically and in real life.

“But she was also a loving and compassionate human being, led by goodness in all she did. I will miss knowing she is on the planet but she will never be far away. RIP Dolly.”

Dionne Warwick

Warwick’s team shared a statement from the singer following the news of Parton’s death. She said:

“The Heavenly Father has made the decision to bring another of his children to him. Dolly, a true child of God, is in the best hands now. Resting in peace. I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. Sincere heartfelt condolences to Danny, family and those who knew her. My heart is heavy.”

KC of KC and the Sunshine Band

In a statement from his team, KC recalled knowing Parton for decades. He said:

“I am in shock. I met Dolly back in the late ’70s. We had the same manager, and I was lucky enough to meet her and know her throughout the years, and then we ended up with the same management team again years later. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I had ever met. I have many fond memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart. Such a talent and a tremendous loss to pop and country music and to those who knew and loved her. She will truly be missed. ????”

Lil Nas X

“THE ONE AND ONLY! FLY HIGH MISS DOLLY! ????????️????” the rapper and country singer wrote in an Instagram tribute.

Gigi Hadid

“Thank you Dolly,” the model wrote in an Instagram Story featuring the late singer.

Oprah Winfrey

Winfrey remembered appearing on Parton’s variety show Dolly, sharing a photo of the two wearing Bob Mackie gowns. She wrote:

One of my fondest memories with @dollyparton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her 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.

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????