Global music stars, actors and entertainers have continued to pay emotional tributes to country music legend Dolly Parton following her death at the age of 80.
Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, after what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer.
Her representatives said she died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
The announcement immediately triggered an international outpouring of grief, with artists who worked with Parton and others who were influenced by her seven-decade career remembering her music, generosity, humour and enduring impact.
Among the most prominent tributes came from Beyoncé, who shared a personal reflection on the country icon following their collaboration on her 2024 album, Cowboy Carter.
Beyoncé described Parton as “the barometer” and “the North Star”, while praising her as “bold and brilliant” and thanking her for teaching generations the importance of being uniquely themselves.
“I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you.”
“I will treasure that forever,” Beyoncé said in her tribute.
The relationship between the two artists gained international attention through Cowboy Carter, on which Parton contributed to Beyoncé’s interpretation of her 1973 classic, Jolene.
Beyoncé’s tribute highlighted the influence Parton had beyond country music, particularly on artists who crossed musical boundaries and reinterpreted her work for new generations.
Taylor Swift also mourned Parton, describing her death as difficult to comprehend while praising the legacy she leaves behind.
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” Swift said.
The singer described Parton as a woman of “true grace and true grit” and said her legacy would be everlasting.
Country music star Reba McEntire also shared an emotional tribute to her longtime friend, remembering their decades-long relationship and Parton’s contribution to music and humanity.
“Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” McEntire wrote.
“There will never ever be another you,” she added, before concluding her tribute with a declaration of love for the late singer.
The two artists had collaborated professionally over the years, including a duet, while Parton also appeared on McEntire’s television sitcom.
Parton’s death also prompted a deeply personal response from rapper Eminem, who revealed a letter she had written to him after both artists were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Although the pair had never met, Parton had praised Eminem’s talent and told him she had come to recognise him as one of the leading figures in rap music.
Eminem recalled that receiving the letter had made a lasting impression on him and expressed regret that they never got the opportunity to meet.
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me,” he said.
British music legend Elton John also joined the tributes, describing Parton as “a giant of an artist” who was “unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Singer Kacey Musgraves captured the sudden sense of loss in a brief tribute, writing, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
Celine Dion also remembered Parton as a source of light and generosity.
“Dolly…you were pure light, with a kind heart and a generous spirit,” Dion wrote.
“We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known,” she added.
Parton’s longtime Hollywood collaborators also reflected on her passing.
Actress Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Parton in the 1980 film 9 to 5, described the late entertainer as “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy.”
Lily Tomlin, who also starred in 9 to 5 with Parton and Fonda, remembered her with the words, “Friend.”
” Songwriter.”
“The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly.”
“Forever Dolly.”
Parton’s work in film also prompted tributes from colleagues connected to Steel Magnolias, the 1989 movie in which she played Truvy Jones.
Julia Roberts described Parton as “magical and joyous”, while Sally Field remembered her as an “angel on Earth”.
Shirley MacLaine also reflected on Parton’s faith and influence, saying, “God sent her to us, and she has returned home.”
Singer Sabrina Carpenter, who had collaborated with Parton on a version of Jolene, described the country icon as “an angel walking on the earth” and said she would treasure their conversations, laughter and the wisdom Parton shared with her.
The tributes have extended beyond individual memories to recognition of Parton’s extraordinary career and humanitarian work.
Parton, who rose from a poor family in Tennessee to become one of the world’s most recognisable entertainers, wrote more than 3,000 songs and recorded numerous enduring hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.
Her influence extended into film, business and philanthropy, with her Imagination Library becoming one of her most significant charitable legacies.
The literacy programme has distributed more than 270 million books to children worldwide, while Parton also contributed $1 million toward COVID-19 vaccine research at Vanderbilt University.
Her musical achievements included Grammy recognition and inductions into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, reflecting the breadth of her influence beyond the country genre.
Parton’s death came after months of health concerns, including the cancellation of her planned Las Vegas residency as she dealt with medical issues.
Despite those challenges, she had continued to express her determination to work and remain creatively active in the months before her death.
Her family has indicated that arrangements will focus on a private funeral attended by immediate family, while admirers around the world continue to celebrate her life through her music, films and charitable legacy.
For Beyoncé, Swift, McEntire, Dion, John and the many other entertainers who have remembered her, Parton’s death represents the loss of an artist whose influence crossed generations, genres and national boundaries.
As tributes continue to pour in, Parton’s legacy remains anchored not only in the songs that made her famous but also in the generosity, humour and determination that transformed her from a country singer into a global cultural icon.
