Beyoncé paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s death.
“You were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” the “Crazy in Love” singer, 44, wrote via her website on Tuesday, August 25. “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.”
Parton died on Tuesday. She was 80.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s spokesperson at the time. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
Shortly after, Parton’s family released a video message recorded by her nephew Bryan Seaver.
“The sadness lays with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” he said, adding that the singer was in a better place. “Surely met by [late husband] Carl [Thomas Dean], her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
Seaver also noted how Parton was an inspiration to music artists across genres.
“Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life,” Seaver said. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
Beyoncé was one of those musicians who was influenced by Parton. When the “Texas Hold Em” singer decided to dabble in the country genre with her 2024 album, Cowboy Carter, she teamed up with Parton for a collaboration. The women worked together on the tracks “Dolly P” and “Tyrant.” Beyoncé also covered Parton’s hit song “Jolene.”
Following the release, Parton gushed about what a “huge fan” she was of Beyoncé.
“Everybody loves her,” Parton said in a June 2025 interview with People. “I think she’s a magnificent artist, beautiful and the dancing in addition to the singing.”
Parton also gushed about what an honor it was to hear Beyoncé’s version of her song.
“I was just honored that she, of course, did a completely different take on ‘Jolene’ than my version of it,” she told the outlet. “Hers was more like, ‘Well, you’re not getting him, you’re not taking him, you’re going to go through me to get him.’ Mine was more like, ‘Please don’t take him!’ So I loved her interpretation.”
Parton continued, “As a writer, you like to hear how different people interpret your songs, and how they put their own spin and do their own take on it. But I was very proud of it, and I hope her tour does great, and I’m sure it will. People seem to be loving it.”
