Dolly Parton’s celebrity friends, fellow musicians and famous fans have paid emotional tribute to the country music legend following her death aged 80 – with Sir Elton John describing the star as “unique and irreplaceable” as messages poured in from around the world.
Dolly died in Nashville on Tuesday (25.08.26) after a period of health problems, bringing to an end a career spanning more than six decades.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news on her social media accounts, while tributes quickly came from the worlds of music, film, television and politics.
The singer’s husband Carl Dean died aged 82 in March 2025 after almost 60 years of marriage.
Bryan said: “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Dolly became one of the defining figures in country music through songs including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5, while selling more than 100 million records.
She also starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5.
Sir Elton John shared his reaction on Instagram Stories.
Elton said: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing.
“A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Priscilla Presley recalled the deeply personal connection Dolly’s I Will Always Love You had to her marriage to Elvis Presley, who died aged 42.
Priscilla said: “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton.
“Dolly brought so much joy, kindness and beautiful music into this world. I will always remember our conversations, and especially the connection we shared through a song that holds such a personal place in my heart – I Will Always Love You.
“After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang that song to me as we walked down the steps together. Years later, I shared that memory with Dolly.”
Khloé Kardashian, who celebrated her 40th birthday with a Dollywood-themed party and later interviewed Dolly for her Khloé in Wonder Land podcast, also posted a lengthy tribute.
Khloé said: “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.”
She added: “What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly.”
Kelly Osbourne wrote online: “There will never be another Dolly Parton.”
Kelly added: “Dolly, thank you for paving the way. Not only for women in music, but for women everywhere to be unapologetically themselves.”
Further tributes came from across country music, including Dolly’s longtime friend Reba McEntire.
Reba and Dolly collaborated during their careers, including on a 2021 version of Does He Love You, and appeared together when Dolly guest-starred in Reba’s sitcom Reba.
Lily, Dolly’s 9 to 5 co-star, posted simply: “No words…(broken heart emoji.)”
Dionne Warwick, Kacey Musgraves, Jamie Lee Curtis and other entertainment figures also publicly remembered the singer.
Dolly’s death came after she had continued working despite health difficulties and the loss of Carl.
Days before her death, she spoke about her determination to continue with projects.
She told People: “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”
Dolly added: “Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me – as I’ve often said – I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
President Donald Trump has now ordered American flags to be lowered to half-staff for a week following Dolly’s death.
Trump said: “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Former president Bill Clinton also paid tribute to Dolly, recalling that he and Hillary Clinton had first seen her perform in 1974.
Bill said: “Dolly Parton was one of a kind – a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.”
Sarah Jessica Parker, best known as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City and And Just Like That…, expressed her shock on Instagram.
Sarah said: “I never met @dollyparton but my gosh, did I love her.
“I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her.
“One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever.”
Dolly’s influence extended far beyond entertainment through her Imagination Library literacy program, which has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children, while she was also associated with funding that supported Covid-19 vaccine research.
The singer was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while her acting credits included Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
Her song I Will Always Love You became an even bigger international hit when Whitney Houston, who died aged 48, recorded it for The Bodyguard.
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