Jennifer Aniston honored the late Dolly Parton during a rare public appearance with her boyfriend, Jim Curtis.
The death of the late country music icon came up during Aniston, 57, and her beau’s panel at The 92nd Street Y in New York City on Wednesday, September 2, to promote Curtis’ new book, The Book of Possibility. While the format of the panel revolved around Aniston interviewing Curtis, 50, on stage, she also answered a few questions from the audience.
When a fan asked for the “best advice” she could give, Aniston shared some wisdom from a “dear friend of all of ours, Miss Dolly Parton.” (The Friends alum starred in the 2018 movie Dumplin’, which was based on Parton’s music.)
“It’s real. … We’re all in post-Parton, aren’t we?” she declared at the event, which Us attended. “One of her many, many, many, many incredible quotes, and they’re endless, endless, endless, she would say, ‘I chased a few rainbows and I caught some.’ I would say, go chase your dreams and go catch some rainbows. You’ll catch a few. [Dolly] did that, for sure.”
The world has spent the last week in mourning following an announcement on August 25 that the legendary singer had died at 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,” a statement from Parton’s rep read. “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.”
The statement continued, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
While a cause of death was not initially made public, Parton’s representative later confirmed that she’d had a “brief battle with cancer.”
Tributes from Parton’s family and friends — including 9 to 5 costar Jane Fonda, goddaughter Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift — have poured in from across the world.
On Friday, August 28, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee introduced plans to rename Nashville International Airport in Parton’s honor. The renaming proposal has the support of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority while Parton’s family has agreed to continue conversations about the tribute, per the governor’s office.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee, 66, said in a statement on Friday, August 28. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Parton’s team has also confirmed that she was working on numerous projects — including Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum and the SongTeller Hotel— prior to her death, thus ensuring that her legacy will continue far into the future.
