Hollywood is in mourning following the death of country music icon and actress Dolly Parton.
“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,” Parton’s rep said in a statement. “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. … Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Although a cause of death was not revealed, Parton’s team said the 9 to 5 actress died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80.
A small, private service will be held for immediate family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5, no matter their family’s income.
Without hesitation, several actors and performers quickly paid tribute to Parton on social media. Keep reading to see heartfelt messages from Kacey Musgraves, Reba McEntire and more stars.
Kacey Musgraves
“Dolly. This really really hurts,” country singer Kacey Musgraves wrote via X. “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her [late husband] Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
Kelsea Ballerini
“My East Tennessee angel, thank you for every ounce of magic and butterflies, acceptance and joy, heart and music you brought to this world,” country singer Kelsea Ballerini wrote via her Instagram Story. “We will always love you Dolly.”
Reba McEntire
“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,” country singer Reba McEntire wrote via Instagram. “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.”
Seth MacFarlane
“The news of Dolly Parton’s passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on The Orville, and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was,” Seth MacFarlane wrote via X. “Her kindness, generosity and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her. The world is a dimmer place today without her.”
Meghan McCain
“Dolly Parton was an absolute American icon and legend. Singular in her impact, love, talent, music, kindness, passion and strength. There never was nor ever will be another like her. There are almost no words to express what a loss this is for America, she was one of the few people who had the ability to unite and truly bring everyone together through her music, art, light and spirit,” former cohost of The View Meghan McCain shared via X. “On a personal note, she is hands down the kindest, warmest, friendliest celebrity I had the pleasure of ever meeting. When people ask me the highlight of working at The View, I always say meeting Dolly Parton. Her famous quote ~ ‘The way I see it if you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain’ has helped me through many tough moments and grief in life. I am deeply saddened by this news just being a huge fan. We love you forever Dolly.”
Khloé Kardashian
“My sweet Dolly. You are with your hubby who I know you missed immensely. I also know that you are with your creator! God has you wrapped in His arms. God bless you forever and always. Thank you for EVERYTHING,” Khloé Kardashian wrote via her Instagram Story. “Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people.”
The Kardashians star continued, “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.”
Keke Palmer
“I’m devastated. Truly,” actress Keke Palmer wrote via Instagram after learning the news.
President Donald Trump
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people,” President Donald Trump wrote via TruthSocial. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Andy Cohen
“🦋 💔 We were all so lucky to live in her midst and get to experience her music, kindness, and joy. 💔 🦋,” Andy Cohen shared via Instagram.
Jenna Bush Hager
“The best there ever was,” Today show cohost Jenna Bush Hager commented on Dolly Parton’s Instagram after her death was announced.
Lily Tomlin
“Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly. Forever Dolly,” 9 to 5 actress Lily Tomlin shared via X.
Rosie O’Donnell
“This earth angel has gone back to heaven where she came from — heartbroken 💔 #iwillalwaysloveyou,” comedian Rosie O’Donnell shared via Instagram.
Pedro Pascal
“One of one 💔. We must make more. #DollyParton #Love,” actor Pedro Pascal wrote via Instagram.
Dionne Warwick
“I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being,” singer Dionne Warwick shared via X. “Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”
Paris Hilton
“Heartbroken to hear about Queen @DollyParton’s passing. She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me,” Paris Hilton shared via X. “Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it. Sending all my love to her family, friends and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Dolly.”
Kristin Chenoweth
“Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken. I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own,” actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth wrote via Instagram. “She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you 💔🌈🦋.”
Jamie Lee Curtis
“They say don’t meet your heroes. They were wrong about her. Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write ‘I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU,’ as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on,” actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote via Instagram. “She is a great example for us all.”
Sally Field
“If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton,” Steel Magnolias star Sally Field wrote via Instagram. “There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”
Maggie Rogers
“💔One of the greatest songwriters of all time, beautiful radiant butterfly human,” singer Maggie Rogers wrote via Instagram. “I played with her at Newport once and I felt like my chest was on fire. I was so wildly awe struck. Thank you thank you a million times Dolly.”
Mark Wystrach
“Grateful to have gotten to spend some time with you and tell you how much your music meant to My Mom, My Siblings and Me growing up,” Midland lead singer Mark Wystrach wrote via Instagram. “Thank you for the music. Rest in peace Dolly. “Eagle When She Flies” was the song that got my Mom thru losing her Mom. It was their favorite song that they shared as an unspoken pact.”
