Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Jane Fonda Celebrities Pay Tribute To Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, the legendary singer, songwriter and actress, has sadly passed away at 80.
 

Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the heartbreaking news in a video on his aunt’s Instagram page.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it til now.”

“It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he shared.

The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment world and many celebrities have taken to social media and shared heartfelt memories to honor the legendary singer, songwriter and actress. Remembered not only for her extraordinary musical legacy but also for her generosity, warmth and influence on generations of artists, Parton leaves behind a legacy that continues to resonate far beyond country music.

Jane Fonda 

Parton’s 9 to 5 co-star Jane Fonda wrote a touching tribute to her late friend. “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,” 

Beyoncé

Beyoncé, who put her own spin on Parton’s seminal hit “Jolene” on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, paid her respects in a letter posted to her website.

“Dolly, you were the barometer,” she wrote. “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. I’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.”

JLO 

On the video posted by her nephew, JLO commented “A masterclass in lighting up the whole world by being your true authentic self. With song, humor and love she made our lives and our world a better more beautiful place. I will miss you Dolly.” 

Donatella Versace 

Versace shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram honoring Parton “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. “

Paul McCartney 

The Beatles’ Sir Paul McCartney mourned Dolly Parton by sharing a deeply personal tribute on his official Instagram account and website, expressing his profound sadness over her passing. 

Rare 1974 He posted two rare 1974 black-and-white photographs with a lengthy, emotional message honoring her talent, character, and legacy “I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.

Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”

Taylor Swift

“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,”Taylor Swift said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”

Swift went on to describe Parton as “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.” She acknowledged the way Parton impacted multiple generations — from readers who received free books from her Imagination Library, to artists like Swift herself. “For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too,” she wrote. “Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”

Julia Roberts 

“Dolly was a magical and joyous human,” Julia Roberts, who co-starred in Steel Magnolias, shared in a statement with Entertainment Weekly. “I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter remembered Parton — with whom she collaborated on a remix of “Please Please Please” — as an “angel walking the earth.”

Reba McEntire 

Reba McEntire shared an album of photos with her pal Parton through the years. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” she wrote. 

Khloé Kardashian

Khloé Kardashian also joined the tributes, sharing several Instagram Story slides featuring heartfelt messages and personal photos with Dolly Parton as she mourned the loss of the beloved icon. “Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people.

A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever.

To have admired her was a gift. To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name... I will never have words big enough for what that means to me.

What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly.” She wrote.

Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy and Dolly were extremely close and she was even his daughter Miley Cyrus’s godmother. He reflected on their friendship in an emotional Instagram statement, writing, “I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. 

While celebrities around the world continue to mourn Dolly Parton and celebrate her extraordinary legacy, many eyes are now on Miley Cyrus, whose bond with the country music icon was uniquely special. As a deeply influential figure in her life and career, Dolly played a significant role in shaping Miley’s journey and personality. 

Miley has yet to publicly share a tribute or post about her godmother, leaving fans and followers waiting to see how she will honor Dolly and say goodbye to a woman who meant so much to her.